70% of the EU's phosphate needs rely on imported phosphate rock.

Omissions

• The 70% figure refers specifically to phosphatic fertiliser needs, not total phosphate needs across all industrial applications. Phosphate rock is predominantly used in fertiliser production (approximately 90%), but the distinction between 'phosphate needs' and 'phosphatic fertiliser needs' is a minor scope difference.
• The European Commission Q&A source was published on the same day as the parliamentary session (19 May 2026), coinciding with the adoption of the Fertiliser Action Plan. The MEP was likely referencing this freshly released Commission communication.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Questions and Answers on the Fertiliser Action PlanFurthermore, 70% of EU phosphatic fertiliser needs are met by imports of phosphate rock.
• SecondaryGeneration Impact – EU Fertiliser Action Plan 2026 blogaround 70% of EU demand for phosphate fertilisers is met through imports of phosphate rock