Over 8,000 European farmers protested in Brussels against changes to agricultural policy and the agreement with MERCOSUR

On Thursday, December 18, a large-scale protest by farmers from across the European Union is taking place in Brussels. According to agricultural organizations, more than 8,000 farmers and about 500 tractors are participating in the demonstration. This is reported by the Polish Farmer.

The protest is directed against planned cuts in funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, as well as against the trade agreement between the EU and MERCOSUR, which, according to farmers, could lead to increased imports of agricultural products from South American countries produced to lower environmental and sanitary standards.

The action takes place on the day of the EU leaders’ summit, where the future budget framework of the Union is being discussed. Farmers are trying to directly influence the decisions of European institutions and draw attention to the worsening economic situation in the agricultural sector.

Farmers from France, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Scandinavian countries and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are participating in the demonstration. Around 350 farmers from Poland have arrived in Brussels.

The protest has led to significant traffic restrictions in central Brussels, including the closure of several tunnels and the city’s inner ring road.

The EU-Mercosur agreement remains a key issue. After Italy and France called for its signature to be postponed, they could form a blocking minority, along with Poland and Hungary, which could put the agreement in doubt as it stands.

Tags: protests, EU