The European Commission warned on Wednesday that the bloc must secure long-term, sustainable fertiliser supplies to avert an imminent food crisis, as rising costs and geopolitical tensions threaten agricultural production. Speaking to *Euronews*, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski stressed that short-term financial aid alone cannot resolve structural vulnerabilities in the fertiliser market, which have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and disruptions in global trade. “We need durable solutions, not just emergency measures,” Wojciechowski said, highlighting the need for diversified supply chains and increased domestic production of nitrogen-based fertilisers. The warning comes as fertiliser prices remain volatile, with some EU farmers already reporting reduced crop yields due to high input costs .
In parallel, Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has accused EU leaders of being overly cautious in confronting China’s trade practices, arguing that the bloc must adopt a more assertive stance to counter unfair competition. Speaking to *Breitbart*, De Croo stated that fear of retaliation has paralysed decision-making, urging a coordinated response to Chinese industrial subsidies and market distortions. “We cannot afford to be afraid,” he said, adding that Europe must defend its strategic industries without delay .
Meanwhile, Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on €6.6 billion in EU funds for Ukraine has reignited tensions with Poland, which insists on retaining control over disbursement. German officials are pushing for the full amount to be transferred to Kyiv immediately, but Warsaw has signalled it will challenge any attempt to bypass its oversight of the European Peace Facility. The dispute underscores deep divisions over how to balance support for Ukraine with national budgetary priorities .
In environmental policy, the EU is considering extending free carbon emission allowances beyond 2039 for industries that invest in decarbonisation within the bloc. The proposal, reported by the *Financial Times*, aims to prevent carbon leakage while incentivising green innovation. Brussels is also weighing stricter enforcement of environmental laws for candidate countries, with Albania facing delays in its accession talks over a controversial resort linked to Jared Kushner’s family .
Domestically, Romania’s interim agriculture minister, Tanczos Barna, has called for EU rules on brown bear protection to be revised, citing Germany’s recent success in easing restrictions on wolf hunting. Barna argues that similar flexibility should apply to bears, which he claims are causing significant agricultural damage. The proposal risks clashing with EU biodiversity directives, which currently classify the species as strictly protected .
As the EU grapples with these challenges, the bloc’s ability to balance economic resilience, environmental commitments, and geopolitical pressures will determine its capacity to navigate the coming decade.