Thousands of European farmers descended upon Brussels on Thursday, mobilizing agricultural vehicles in a massive demonstration against the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The protest coincided with a critical summit where European leaders are scheduled to deliberate on the contentious trade pact with the South American bloc.
Organizers reported approximately 10,000 agricultural producers from 26 EU member states converged on the Belgian capital to voice their opposition. The timing was strategically aligned with high-level discussions concerning the European budget and the future trajectory of agricultural policy beyond 2027.
At the heart of the protest lies farmers’ profound concerns regarding market competition. They argue the agreement—which would open European markets to agricultural products from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—creates fundamentally unequal conditions. European producers fear being undercut by cheaper South American imports, potentially destabilizing price structures and threatening their economic viability.
The demonstration featured a convoy of tractors and displayed numerous banners amplifying their message through Brussels’ streets. This mobilization represents the latest in a series of coordinated actions by agricultural organizations across the EU, opposing both the Mercosur agreement and proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy.
The Mercosur pact, subject to prolonged and intense negotiations, faces renewed scrutiny during current EU deliberations. France and Italy have already expressed reservations about supporting the agreement, influenced significantly by pressure from agricultural constituencies. This opposition casts considerable uncertainty on the ratification process.
These developments highlight the growing tension between free trade ambitions and the protection of European agricultural interests. The coming days are poised to determine the fate of the Mercosur agreement and its acceptance within the European Union.