MEP Claudiu-Richard Târziu of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group has raised pressing concerns over the imminent application of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on fertilisers scheduled for early 2026. His parliamentary question targets the European Commission, seeking clarity and a potential delay on the measure, which directly affects farmers, fertiliser importers, and the broader agri-food sector reliant on these inputs. The issue is likely to draw strong reactions from agricultural stakeholders wary of rising costs and supply uncertainties.
The question, submitted formally on 15 December 2025, is a written parliamentary inquiry aimed at eliciting detailed responses from the Commission on the anticipated effects of the CBAM on fertiliser supply, pricing, and agricultural productivity within the EU.
Târziu’s enquiry does not propose specific policy changes but poses critical requests: an updated impact assessment reflecting the current geopolitical environment; tangible measures to guarantee cost predictability for both importers and farmers; and consideration of postponing CBAM's enforcement until the finalisation of its technical framework. This reflects cautious political pressure highlighting potential risks associated with implementing a regulatory mechanism without a finalized operational structure.
The parliamentary question implicitly makes a plea for postponement of the CBAM, thus prioritising stability in fertiliser supply and affordability for farmers over immediate adherence to environmental border tax measures. The cleavage here entails delaying increased EU regulatory impact and administrative oversight on fertiliser imports in favor of protecting farm competitiveness and the EU’s internal food production capabilities.
Key stakeholders affected include EU farmers, who face increased input costs; fertiliser importers, who require clear regulatory parameters; the European Commission as policy executor; and the broader EU agri-food sector depending on affordable fertilisers. Farmers benefit from a postponement avoiding abrupt cost spikes, while importers and the Commission bear the challenge of balancing environmental objectives with economic and supply security. However, postponement may delay environmental incentives aimed at reducing carbon leakage.
The Commission is expected to respond within weeks, offering hints about whether it will accommodate calls for delay or pursue strict enforcement as planned. This response will signal the Commission’s willingness to adjust the timeline and management of CBAM amid market uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, shaping future EU environmental and agricultural policy dynamics.
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