A massive farmer protest in Brussels turned violent as thousands of farmers from across Europe demonstrated against the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal. The protesters, who arrived in tractors, blocked roads and set fires, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons near the European Parliament. The farmers are concerned that the deal will undercut their livelihoods, as cheaper agricultural products from South America flood the EU market.
The EU-Mercosur deal, 25 years in the making, aims to create the world’s biggest free-trade area, with tariff cuts benefiting EU exports like vehicles and machinery. However, France, Italy, Poland, and Hungary oppose the deal, citing concerns over EU farmers being undercut by cheaper imports. Germany and Spain support the pact, arguing it will boost exports and reduce dependence on China.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France won’t support the deal without stronger safeguards for farmers. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed reservations, joining France in seeking a delay. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that if the deal isn’t finalized now, Brazil won’t sign it.
The European Commission is trying to salvage the deal, with President Ursula von der Leyen meeting farmers to hear their concerns. The fate of the pact hangs in the balance, with EU leaders under pressure to make a decision.
