The European Parliament Committee on Development debated the impact of the Middle East crisis on global food security on 5 May 2026, with MEPs and experts pulling in different directions between immediate relief and long-term structural transformation. Alvaro Lario (IFAD) warned that 266 million people already face acute food insecurity, with 45 million more at risk, urging immediate market stabilisation and long-term resilience for small farmers. Maximo Torero (FAO) outlined risks from Strait of Hormuz disruption, proposing phased responses including alternative trade routes and no export restrictions.
Koen Dekeyser (ECDPM) argued that fossil-fuel-based fertiliser dependence is a security risk, promoting green hydrogen and ammonia partnerships. Leire Pajín (S&D) linked the crisis to violations of international law in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for firmer EU action. Niels Geuking (EPP) asked how EU tools can help partner countries build independent structures. Charles Goerens (Renew) highlighted inadequate reserves and speculation. Damien Carême (The Left) advocated agroecology to reduce synthetic fertiliser dependence. Leonard Mizzi (DG INTPA) stressed demand-driven partnerships, while José Ruiz Espi (DG ECHO) warned humanitarian aid alone cannot solve hunger.
Divergences emerged between immediate relief versus structural transformation, and between green fertiliser partnerships and smallholder support. The committee also debated the Performance Framework Regulation, with many MEPs (Geuking, Germain, Herbst, Maij, Goerens, Lövin) arguing for a separate annex to reflect external action specificities, while DG BUDG defended the horizontal model. On the OCT association decision, MEPs (Mandl, Maij, Lövin, Carême) pushed for stronger self-determination and local benefits, while the Commission defended limited updates. Next steps: amendments due 18 May, committee vote on Performance Framework opinion on 15 July.