Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002120/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sander Smit (PPE)
RENURE[1][2] offers several benefits that are closely aligned with the European Union’s economic, geopolitical and environmental objectives. First, it promotes the circular use of nutrients, which is essential for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, RENURE contributes to reducing energy dependence by exploiting the methane, or biogas, released as climate-friendly green gas.
The recovery of phosphorus – identified as a critical raw material under the Critical Raw Materials Act[3] – reduces strategic dependence on imports from third countries. Moreover, RENURE contributes to CO₂ reduction by rendering the use of synthetic fertilisers unnecessary. Applying nitrogen separately from phosphate also avoids unnecessary phosphate loading of agricultural land.
Finally, the underlying technologies and innovations are more widely applicable, for instance for nutrient recovery from sewage sludge. The above illustrates that RENURE perfectly matches the biotech and innovation ambitions of the European Union.
- 1.Does the Commission recognise the potential of RENURE for application within Europe and as an export product?
- 2.Does the Commission recognise the special added value of RENURE, both ecologically and economically, particularly in regions which specialise in livestock farming?
- 3.How does the Commission view the past few years in which the development and application of RENURE has actually been delayed despite calls for action from Parliament?
Submitted: 27.5.2025
- [1] European Commission JRC Science for Policy Report, ‘Technical proposals for the safe use of processed manure above the threshold established for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones by the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)’, 2020.
- [2] European Commission, Draft Commission Directive amending Council Directive 91/676/EEC as regards the use of certain fertilising materials from livestock manure, Ref. Ares(2024)2885619 – 19 April 2024, unpublished draft.
- [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 – Critical Raw Materials Act, OJ L 202, 19.4.2024, p. 1–72.