Source: European Parliament
The Commission proposal referred to by the Honourable Member[1] aims at gradually phasing out the EU’s dependence on Russian nitrogen-based fertilisers through a transitional approach. This involves measured annual increases of customs duties on Russian imports over a period of three years, minimising the risk of a surge in fertiliser prices. The Commission expects the measure to result in a gradual and orderly replacement of Russian nitrogen-based fertilisers with alternatives, including domestically produced ones, thus contributing to fair competition in the EU fertilisers market and supporting a stable, long-term role of the EU fertilisers industry in ensuring the EU food security.
The proposal mandates the Commission to monitor nitrogen-based fertiliser prices. The Commission will continue assessing the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent the price increase. These measures may include, among others, proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs on affected goods imported from sources other than Russia and Belarus.
The Commission is not proposing to modify customs duties on imports from Russia of other products. The Commission would like to note that some of the products referred to by the Honourable Member are already subject to import restrictions as part of the sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine under Regulation 833/2014[2], in particular potash fertilisers and crustaceans. Any decision to impose or amend these sanctions is for the Council to take by unanimity.