On 20 May 2026, Süddeutsche Zeitung published an article entitled "Wie deutsche Spitzenforschung einem sanktionierten Oligarchen zugutekommt" (How cutting-edge German research benefits a sanctioned oligarch, online version), in which Forschungszentrum Jülich is mentioned in connection with a Russian oligarch who is subject to EU sanctions. The article presents a number of facts incorrectly, which we would like to clarify in this statement.
FZJ: "Our services do not benefit anyone subject to EU sanctions."
Between 2022 and 2025, Forschungszentrum Jülich carried out a total of five clearly defined commissions for EuroChem Agro GmbH. As is standard practice, we conducted regular sanctions-list checks on our direct contractual partners in advance. These checks revealed no concerns. Contrary to the article's portrayal, our services do not benefit any person subject to EU sanctions.
The services we provided for EuroChem Agro GmbH consisted exclusively of scientific analyses of air samples from field trials, in particular measurements of nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane emissions. These services were provided under standard market conditions. The total contract value amounted to € 221,457.22. Contrary to the claims made in the article published by Süddeutsche Zeitung, no additional public funding was used for this work. The use of our scientific infrastructure, laboratories, and personnel resources was charged in full, meaning that the costs associated with the use of these resources are included in the above-mentioned amount.
Forschungszentrum Jülich was neither involved in the development of the fertilizer Entec Evo nor in the development of nitrification inhibitors. There was no joint product development with EuroChem or Agravis, no joint patents, no joint licences, and no joint publications. Accordingly, the statement made by Agravis in the article published by Süddeutsche Zeitung is therefore incorrect. Likewise, the reports in independent specialist media cited by the author do not substantiate any joint development, despite the impression created in the article. Forschungszentrum Jülich is not mentioned in any of the linked sources.
