No sanctions on Russian phosphorus fertilizers for the sake of food security

Brussels – The EU needs ‘made in Russia’ fertilizers, and, war or no war in Ukraine, there is special attention to the sector. It is not easy, as Moscow uses European needs and wants for its benefit and specifically to circumvent, albeit partially, EU sanctions. However, the European Commission found a way to prevent chemicals useful for agricultural production made with the sanctioned gas from entering the single market: chemical composition. Specifically, it allows the purchase of phosphorus fertilizers instead of nitrogen ones.

Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic explains how the EU executive is approaching a problem that objectively is a puzzle. Phosphorus- and potassium-based fertilizers are not included in the list of banned products because “they are mineral fertilizers that are not produced from natural gas,” he emphasizes in responding to a parliamentary question. So, this kind of fertilizer from Russia does not contribute to enriching Gazprom and, consequently, the Russian war machine.

Of course, continuing to buy Russian products helps fuel the country’s economy against the European Union’s stated intentions of wanting to weaken the Russian Federation precisely economically. However, Sefcovic acknowledges, “Unlike for nitrogen fertilizers, whose sources of supplies are more diverse and sufficient, the pool of alternative suppliers on phosphorus and potash is more limited.”  In short, there are no significant alternatives to Russia, and the EU cannot afford the iron fist.

Then, there are other issues to consider, the trade commissioner further added. The EU sees the measure as “vital to ensuring the EU food security and addressing growing utilization of Russian gas in its fertilizers’ production.” At the same time, Sefcovic concludes, “The proposal is carefully calibrated to minimize the risk of price increases for EU farmers.”