EU Executive Vice‑President Stéphane Séjourné published an op‑ed calling for tying European public funding to companies that commit a substantial share of production to the EU. The piece, syndicated in several major outlets including Handelsblatt on 2 February 2026, was presented as a call signed by 1,141 European business and union leaders. “Whenever European public […]
Romanian oil and gas group OMV Petrom has commissioned a new sulphur recovery unit at its Petrobrazi refinery, near the southern city of Ploiesti. Development work on the new SRU began in 2023, and represents the second at the site, treating acid gas produced during the refining process. The euro 45 million investment is part of euro 2 billion of improvements that have been made over the past 20 years as part of the company’s strategy to modernise its refining capabilities, aiming to reduce environmental impact. Last year, the company said it would invest around euro 750 million to build several sustainable fuel plants at the refinery, which are expected to become operational in 2028.
NEXTCHEM has signed a binding agreement to acquire Ballestra Group for around €126.5 million. The announcement was made by Maire – Nextchem’s parent company – on 24th December.
Prayon has officially opened a new sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) production unit at its Engis complex in Belgium. The €30 million investment is designed to strengthen the company’s position in the food and technical phosphates market.
Trade body Fertilizers Europe says the EU’s new carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) package “will significantly weaken the mechanism and prevent it from delivering on its promises”.
Barents Blue AS has announced Proton Ventures as a new partner in the Barents Clean Ammonia Project (project formerly known as the Barents Blue project). Barents Blue says that the Dutch engineering and project development company, a pioneer in the clean ammonia industry, “will bring significant resources and industry expertise to the project and the value chain for clean ammonia, important for the realisation of Europe’s largest clean ammonia production plant located in Finnmark, Northern Norway”.
Europe is likely to become an increasing ammonia importer over the coming years as low global ammonia prices and high European gas prices squeeze producer margins, but CBAM remains a wild card.
CRU's fertilizer team provides their top calls for 2026
Ronald Clemens, ICL's Global Portfolio Manager, explains how new fertilizer technologies are boosting yields, cutting losses and supporting sustainability.
Recent developments show the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) remains active for fertilizers, but the European Commission proposes tariff reductions to offset import costs. Tariff suspension details The Commission will temporarily suspend remaining Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariffs on ammonia, urea, and certain other fertilizers. Import tariffs from most-favoured nations stand at 6.5%, excluding higher staged tariffs […]