The European Council has agreed on a position to strengthen the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aiming to close loopholes and extend its scope beyond raw materials to include downstream products like those made from iron, steel, and aluminium. The updated framework also introduces a safeguard mechanism for fertiliser imports, triggered if prices rise more than 50% above the ten-year average. Farm groups like Copa Cogeca are pushing back, warning that the current safeguard trigger is too weak and leaves farmers exposed to extreme price spikes. They estimate CBAM could cost EU farmers 39 billion euros over seven years. Negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to begin soon, with a final deal targeted before the end of the year.
