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The European Commission has formally adopted new legislation on REcovered Nitrogen from manure (RENURE), marking a significant step towards reducing the European Union’s dependency on imported fertilisers. The new rules introduce greater flexibility in the use of RENURE products, allowing their application above the limits currently set for manure under the Nitrates Directive.
This regulatory change enables Member States and farmers to substitute conventional chemical fertilisers with RENURE-based alternatives derived from processed manure. The measure is designed to ensure that this transition takes place under safe conditions, maintaining the protection of water resources and the environment, while offering economic and strategic benefits for the agricultural sector.
By expanding the use of RENURE fertilisers, the EU aims to lower input costs for farmers, improve resource efficiency and strengthen the circular economy within agriculture. At the same time, the initiative contributes to enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on external fertiliser markets, which have been subject to significant volatility in recent years.
The adoption of the new rules follows a positive vote by Member States’ representatives in the Nitrates Committee in September 2025. The proposal was subsequently submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for scrutiny, with no objections raised by either institution. As a result, the amendment will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The implementation of the new framework will depend on Member States, as the rules will only apply in countries that choose to authorise the use of RENURE fertilisers. These countries will need to transpose the amendment into their national legislation.
According to Commissioner Jessika Roswall, the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to turning waste into a valuable resource, supporting farmers’ competitiveness and ensuring environmental protection while reinforcing the resilience of the agricultural sector.
9 February 2026 / European Commission / EU.
https://luxembourg.representation.ec.europa.eu/
