Commissioner Christophe Hansen, in a written answer to Romanian MEP Mihai Tudose (S&D) on 8 July 2026, outlined the European Commission's response to the fertiliser crisis affecting EU farmers, particularly in Romania where prices rose 16.8% in late 2025, double the EU average. Hansen confirmed that the Commission has prepared an exceptional support package through the agricultural reserve to provide immediate liquidity relief for farmers ahead of the next production cycle, to be presented in mid-July. The answer, however, did not specify the amount or eligibility criteria for this package, leaving farmers and member states awaiting further details.
The Commission's answer points to a multi-pronged approach combining short-term relief with structural measures. On 29 April 2026, the Commission adopted a temporary state aid framework to support exposed sectors including agriculture. This was followed by a Fertiliser Action Plan on 19 May 2026, which aims to reduce import dependency and boost domestic production while aligning with climate goals. On 12 June 2026, the Commission proposed a targeted Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) package enabling member states to maximise support under current strategic plans, including liquidity support and flexible advance payments for 2027.
While the answer provides a timeline for the upcoming package, it lacks concrete figures or eligibility criteria, which will be crucial for Romanian farmers facing the highest price increases in Europe. The Commission emphasises that structural solutions to reduce EU dependencies are being developed in parallel, but the immediate relief package remains the key deliverable for the sector. The answer signals a continued commitment to supporting farmers through the crisis, but the lack of specifics may leave stakeholders seeking more clarity ahead of the mid-July announcement.