Greek MEP Galato Alexandraki (ECR) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to mobilise the Common Agricultural Policy's (CAP) agricultural reserve and other exceptional support tools to compensate European farmers and stockbreeders for rising costs linked to the war in the Middle East. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 April 2026, Alexandraki warns that disruptions in maritime transport are already driving up the cost of fuel, energy, and agricultural inputs, with the EU heavily dependent on imports for key fertiliser nutrients.
The question, filed under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure, contains two concrete asks. First, Alexandraki inquires whether the Commission intends to immediately activate the CAP's agricultural reserve — worth €450 million per year — and other emergency measures to offset increased expenses for energy, fuel, fertiliser, feed, and transport. Second, she asks whether the Commission will grant Member States additional flexibility to provide targeted support to farmers, stockbreeders, cooperatives, and agri-food processing companies.
Policy orientation and ambition The MEP's question signals a push for rapid, EU-level financial intervention to shield the agricultural sector from external shocks. By referencing the European Council's 19 March 2026 statement that the conflict directly impacts energy prices and supply chains, Alexandraki frames the issue as a recognised EU priority requiring immediate action. The question also highlights structural vulnerabilities: the EU imports 30% of its inorganic nitrogen, 68% of phosphates, and 85% of potash nutrients, while natural gas can account for up to 90% of nitrogen fertiliser production costs.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the current disruptions as severe enough to warrant emergency CAP spending, or whether it prefers to rely on existing national flexibility measures. The reply will also indicate the Commission's assessment of the conflict's impact on EU agriculture and its willingness to deploy financial safety nets.
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