EU & Romania: Rapeseed as a strategic response to the green pivot

The European Union is accelerating its green transition by sharply reducing palm oil consumption and gradually reducing soy-based biodiesel use within renewable energy programs. Import duties on Chinese biodiesel became an additional driver of increased domestic EU oilseed crushing and enforcing demand for rapeseed oil.

This trend means that rapeseed is turning into strategically important raw oilseed. The EU now aims to increase domestic oilseed production, with Romania positioned as one of the biggest rapeseed suppliers. The growing Romanian rapeseed areas in 2026 could signal this trend.

At the same time, Ukraine continues increasing rapeseed oil supplies thanks to export duties and growing domestic crushing. However, for exports to the EU, reducing war and logistical risks remains a priority for the new 2026/27 season.