European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen has defended the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, arguing that measures targeting fertilisers and chemicals are calibrated to avoid harming European farmers and food security. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Czech MEP Ondřej Dostál (NI), Hansen stressed that sanctions are designed to minimise unintended effects on the EU economy while reducing revenue for Russia's budget.
The answer, published on 22 June 2026, responds to Dostál's question of 27 March 2026, which warned that the package—announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—risks raising production costs, undermining competitiveness, and compromising Europe's food security by restricting access to critical agricultural inputs. Hansen countered that quotas for potash and, under the 20th package, ammonia were set at levels matching historical imports, allowing trade to continue while preventing circumvention.
Hansen outlined several concrete measures to support the farming sector. On 19 May 2026, the Commission adopted a Fertiliser Action Plan with short-term actions including mobilising the agricultural reserve, liquidity support under the Common Agricultural Policy, and greater flexibility for advance payments. Longer-term measures focus on boosting EU production capacity, promoting recycled nutrients and low-carbon alternatives, and reducing strategic import dependencies. Additionally, imports of ammonia, urea, and certain nitrogen-based fertilisers from non-Russian, non-Belarusian countries benefit from a tariff suspension within quotas until 31 May 2027.
The Commission maintains monitoring mechanisms such as the European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism and the Fertilisers Market Observatory. Hansen stated there is currently no risk of fertiliser shortages for the 2026 harvest, but the Commission will take further measures if needed.
The answer signals a policy orientation of balancing foreign policy objectives with agricultural competitiveness, emphasising diversification away from Russian inputs as a shield against price manipulation. Institutional follow-up includes continued market monitoring and potential activation of the agricultural reserve. The response provides concrete commitments (quotas, tariff suspensions, action plan dates) rather than vague declarations, directly addressing Dostál's concerns about food security and farmer viability.