Sixteen MEPs from across the political spectrum, led by Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (ECR), have submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission warning that escalating conflict in the Middle East is driving up agricultural production costs and disrupting supply chains, compounding existing pressures from the war in Ukraine and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The question, tabled on 28 April 2026, targets three concrete demands: urgent measures to stabilise fertiliser prices, financial support for farmers facing higher energy and fuel costs, and actions to strengthen supply-chain resilience.
The MEPs argue that the CBAM, introduced in 2026, has already pushed urea prices up by 20–25%, from below €500 per tonne to €570–600. With the Iran escalation, prices have now exceeded €700 per tonne and reached €800 in some member states. They also highlight rising energy and fuel costs and disruptions in transport, logistics and packaging, which further squeeze already thin profit margins.
Policy orientation and ambition The question reflects a clear pushback against the CBAM's impact on agriculture, calling for a review or exemption for the sector. It also urges the Commission to mobilise the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) crisis reserve to offset energy costs. The MEPs seek concrete actions to reduce external dependencies, such as diversifying fertiliser imports or boosting domestic production.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal whether the executive is willing to adjust CBAM for agriculture, activate crisis support, or propose new supply-chain measures. Given the broad cross-group support — including MEPs from ECR, Renew, NI, ESN, and PPE — the question carries political weight and may influence upcoming Commission proposals on food security and crisis management.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food