On May 19, the European Commission presented the Fertilizer Action Plan to ensure the availability and affordability of fertilizers, as well as to guarantee national production and the EU's strategic autonomy, in a process of transition towards circular and low-carbon systems.

The Action Plan underscores the strategic importance of domestic fertilizer production for agricultural production and the EU's industrial capacity. However, while acknowledging the competitiveness challenges and risks of deindustrialization in the sector in Europe, it does not propose concrete measures to help maintain its own industry, one of the most efficient and sustainable globally, with sufficient capacity to supply domestic demand for quality fertilizers.

The acknowledgments of the essential role of the fertilizer industry in food security are unfortunately not translated into concrete measures to support European companies in strengthening their production and competitiveness. Instead, the Commission proposes promoting diversification within the framework of the Global Gateway strategy and other initiatives that provide aid for investments in third countries, leading to offshoring and deindustrialization in Europe. Furthermore, it proposes additional trade measures to favor imports from third countries.

Farmers need stable access to affordable fertilizers to continue producing food. Therefore, we consider direct support for European farmers to purchase fertilizers essential, in line with the aid measures announced by the Spanish government.

Given the current crisis in the sector and the supply problems, the Commission proposes the use of nutrients from secondary sources and organic products. However, although these materials can complement mineral fertilizers, their potential is quite limited. According to studies by Wageningen University, with current technologies, organic fertilizers can replace a maximum of 3% of the nitrogen fertilizers currently applied, demonstrating the essential role of mineral fertilizers.

Therefore, clear support for European industry is essential to ensure supply, prevent deindustrialization, and reduce dependence on external sources. In this regard, we expect the Commission to implement concrete, viable, and effective measures to guarantee stable and affordable access to energy and raw materials, as well as specific financing, a regulatory framework, and conditions that will preserve the competitiveness of businesses and provide the necessary confidence for them to continue investing in new technologies.