Brussels opposes exempting fertilizers from the climate tariff but promises measures due to the war in Iran

ACN/Brussels – The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, has warned that suspending the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on fertilizer imports could “worsen dependence on imports.” In response to a request from France and Italy, also supported by Spain, Hansen stated that the European Commission is preparing an action plan to address rising fertilizer prices due to the war in Iran. In his opening remarks at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, the commissioner told ministers that the plan will include “new short-term measures” and “structural” actions to ensure the availability and affordability of fertilizers.

Hansen defended “strengthening production” within the European bloc and supporting “the use of new bio-based and low-carbon fertilizers,” as well as “helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency and reduce strategic dependencies.”

Wine support

Spain, together with Portugal, called this Monday in Brussels for permission to advance part of the European aid to the wine sector and to fruit and vegetable producers ahead of 2028. Specifically, they are requesting transitional provisions allowing the temporary disbursement of EU subsidies even if negotiations on the next multiannual budget for the 2028–2034 period have not yet been concluded.

Hansen responded to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, that the proposal for the 2028 Multiannual Financial Framework “includes rules to ensure that expenditures related to CAP commitments” continue to be implemented after 2027. The commissioner also stressed that future National and Regional Plans within the MFF will include “provisions to ensure” that sectoral aid “can be paid” through member state allocations.