Overview

• The European Parliament has approved import taxes on Russian and Belarusian nitrogen fertilizers, set to begin in July 2025 and progressively increase until 2028.
• The measure aims to reduce European reliance on Russian fertilizers, which accounted for 25% of EU imports in early 2025, and to limit revenue streams funding Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Farmers' groups warn the tariffs could lead to significant price hikes, with Copa-Cogeca describing the potential impact as "devastating" for European agriculture.
• The European Commission has pledged to monitor market conditions and suspend duties on alternative imports if fertilizer prices surge unexpectedly.
• Right-wing MEPs have criticized the decision, arguing it risks economic harm to farmers without significantly impacting Russia's war efforts.