D5.3 Policy Brief

Europe has entered yet another fertiliser and energy crisis in 2026. Rising energy prices, increasing fertiliser costs and renewed concerns over food security are adding pressure to an already fragile agricultural sector struggling with declining competitiveness and farmers’ livelihoods. This new crisis demonstrates that, despite the first wake-up call triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union remains heavily dependent on imported fertilisers and external suppliers that cannot always be considered reliable strategic partners. At the same time, Europe’s fossil-based fertiliser industry continues to face structural vulnerabilities linked to its dependence on natural gas and the urgent need to decarbonise production processes.