The European Commission’s proposal to impose additional customs rights to imports of Russian fertilizers refers to the EU agricultural sector, since Russia represents 25% of imports.
Attack Russian fertilizers without damaging European agriculture. This is the difficult balance that the EU is looking for. At the end of last week, Member States adopted a proposal from the European Commission to impose additional customs rights to imports of agricultural products in Russia and Belarus to reduce the dependence of the Union.
The Commission argues that Member States would be In a vulnerable position If Moscow decided to introduce coercive measures against 27. In other words, The food security of Europeans is at stake.
Farmers alarm
The measure is worrying about the agricultural community. The COGECA Cup, which represents the interests of the sector in Brussels, recalls that the industry depends largely on Russian fertilizers.
“Today, we import from other third countries, but the greatest demand will generate more pressure in terms of logistics and, consequently, greater costs. These cost increases will generate agricultural inflation, which will have repercussions in terms of reducing the returns of the farmers and reducing competitiveness,” insists Dominique Dejakheere, a co -man -energy policy advisor.
Russian fertilizers represent about 25% of imports of the EU. According to the commission, additional customs rights per ton of fertilizers can gradually increase 40 or 45 euros for 315 or 430 euros for three years.
CUP-COGECA points out that fertilizer purchases “represent an average of 10% of the variable costs of an agricultural exploration. But for some sectors, namely cereal crops and oleaginous seeds, fertilizer expenses represent approximately 30% of variable costs,” says Dominique Dejenkhee.
The COGECA Cup recalls the efforts made by farmers. In 2015, imports from Russia and Belarus represented 40% of the total volume.
Balance
In the European Parliament, the text rapporteur, the mepsputed Inese Voidere (PPE), recognizes that all parties will have to cross them.
“I would say that this is a balanced proposal. There are always many interests at stake. And when making a legislative proposal or even a legislative act, it cannot be said that all interested parties will be 100% satisfied. This is not the case,” explains the MeptÃ.
But he believes that it is necessary to act and think strategically. “Russia has managed to produce fertilizers from Russian gas and sell them in the European market at very low prices. This means that if we buy these Russian fantilizers, we continue to feed the Russian war machine. Is that acceptable? No, it is not acceptable.”
“Therefore, my personal opinion is that this proposal could or should have been submitted three years ago,” he adds.
Reinforcement of European industry and diversification
The Commission believes that its proposal will increase the national production of fertilizers and strengthen the industry through these additional taxes.
The sector suffered the energy crisis and the sanctions against Russia. The manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers requires natural gas to produce ammonia for use in fertilizers.
“Yes, there is still enough production capacity in Europe. But the problem for us is not so much availability, but the price. We need fertilizers at affordable prices and, in this matter, we have no industry guarantees. The industry problem is that energy costs are too high,” says Dominique Dejakheere.
To give greater visibility and guarantee an affordable price, the commission proposes Diversify supplies of several third countries.
ADVERTISING“In case of scarcity, we have partners worldwide and this is also a means of supply. And I think this should not seriously affect our production of agricultural products,” says Inderee.
Member States have agreed with the principle, except Hungary, and are willing to advance. However, they regret the absence of an impact study and want regular control.
The European Parliament will formally address this problem at the beginning of next month. Once your position is adopted, The Eurodiputados will have to reach an agreement with the Member States About a common text.
