In a written answer on 19 June 2026, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen declined to establish a dedicated European fertiliser mechanism with strategic reserves, instead relying on existing instruments such as the Fertiliser Market Observatory and the recently adopted Fertiliser Action Plan to address supply disruptions and price spikes. The response, to a question by S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis, signals the Commission's preference for market monitoring and voluntary coordination over new crisis tools, impacting EU farmers who had hoped for stronger emergency support.
The answer notes that while no specific mechanism exists, the Fertiliser Action Plan includes an assessment of stockpiling and preparedness options, respecting subsidiarity and storage constraints. On research, Hansen highlighted that Horizon Europe has funded 116 projects on sustainable nutrient management worth EUR 750 million, including bio-based fertilisers, and the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) with EUR 2 billion to bridge research and industry. The Commission thus relies on existing R&I frameworks rather than new initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on non-EU fertiliser imports without creating additional EU-level intervention tools.
The Commission favours market-based solutions and voluntary coordination over centralised crisis mechanisms, prioritising subsidiarity and cost control. Institutional follow-up: The Fertiliser Action Plan's stockpiling assessment is expected in the coming months, with no legislative proposal for a fertiliser mechanism anticipated. The answer leaves EU farmers and member states seeking stronger safety nets to rely on national measures, as seen in Spain's EUR 500 million aid package, while the Commission continues to promote research and market transparency.