When the European Commission published its Fertiliser Action Plan (FAP) in May 2026, it set itself an ambitious objective:
“A successful strategy for fertilisation in the EU requires industry and farmers to work hand in hand in partnership and a transparent value chain: ensuring competitiveness for both farmers and the fertiliser industry and EU strategic autonomy, while helping to achieve EU climate and environmental objectives.”
That statement captures the central challenge of European fertiliser policy. Farmers need reliable supplies of nitrogen fertiliser at affordable prices to remain competitive. European fertiliser manufacturers seek protection from imports that they argue benefit from lower energy costs and weaker environmental standards. At the same time, the European Union wants to decarbonise fertiliser production, reduce nitrogen losses, and strengthen strategic autonomy.
Reconciling these objectives has become more difficult following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in spring 2026 and the resulting increase in natural gas and fertiliser prices.… Read the rest