BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — The European Union has taken a key step toward imposing tariffs on remaining agricultural imports from Russia and Belarus, as well as certain nitrogen-based fertilizers, in an effort to curb Moscow’s export revenues and weaken its ability to finance the war in Ukraine.
The Council of the EU on Friday adopted its negotiating position on the measure, which now moves to discussions with the European Parliament. If implemented, the tariffs would cover 15% of all agricultural imports from Russia and completely subject Russian agriculture exports to EU tariffs.
Imports of targeted fertilizers from Russia accounted for over a quarter of the EU’s total supply in 2023—around 3.6 million tonnes valued at €1.28 billion. The new measures aim to reduce reliance on Russian and Belarusian products while bolstering domestic production.
“We will carefully monitor the implementation of these tariffs to ensure that the EU fertilizer industry and farmers are protected, while simultaneously reducing EU dependencies, preserving global food security, and further weakening Russia’s war economy,” said Krzysztof Paszyk, Poland’s Minister of Development and Technology.
The proposed tariffs will be phased in over a three-year transition period, allowing time for alternative suppliers to step in and ensure fertilizer affordability for EU farmers. The regulation also includes provisions to mitigate potential price surges.
The European Parliament must now finalize its position before negotiations on a common text begin. Once agreed, the Council will formally adopt the regulation by a qualified majority.
The European Commission first proposed the tariffs on January 28 as part of broader efforts to cut economic ties with Russia and Belarus while safeguarding EU food security.
