A group of MEPs from the Patriots for Europe (PfE), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) groups, led by Valérie Deloge (PfE), has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission on 20 April 2026, demanding urgent action to address the surge in fertiliser prices that threatens the viability of EU farming. The MEPs warn that the combination of geopolitical tensions, high gas prices, and EU regulatory constraints is undermining farm profitability, production stability, and the Union's food self-sufficiency.
The question, filed under Rule 144, asks the Commission three concrete points: whether it has conducted impact assessments on the cumulative effects of these factors; whether it plans immediate targeted measures to protect farmers; and how it intends to boost domestic fertiliser production. The MEPs specifically highlight the dependence of nitrogen fertilisers on gas prices and raw material imports, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.
Policy orientation and ambition The MEPs' question reflects a critical stance towards current EU policies, which they argue impose increasing constraints without offering economically viable alternatives. They call for a shift towards supporting EU-based fertiliser production to reduce import dependency, and for emergency relief to farmers. The question does not set numerical targets but demands concrete action plans.
Expected follow-up The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it acknowledges the severity of the crisis and is willing to propose new measures, such as temporary derogations from environmental rules or financial support, or whether it maintains that existing tools suffice. The reply will be closely watched by farming stakeholders and EU institutions.
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