Tens of Thousands of European Farmers Rally in Brussels Against EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

Thousands of European farmers, including large contingents from France and Italy, are staging massive protests in Brussels against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The coordinated actions come amid the 27 EU leaders' summit and highlight deep concerns regarding the potential market impact of the deal. Farmers worry that the agreement would inundate the European market with South American agricultural products such as beef, sugar, and soy, undermining domestic producers.

In France alone, the Ministry of the Interior counted around 80 protest actions involving approximately 3,600 people, reflecting the mounting opposition. Hundreds of tractors are being brought to Brussels as farmers converge in a show of solidarity and resistance. Italy has joined France in calling for a postponement of the trade agreement, placing further strain on its ratification.

Tension surrounding the deal is compounded by unease over the ongoing reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). There are accusations that the European Commission intends to reduce CAP funding within the upcoming EU budget, which agrarian stakeholders oppose vehemently.

The discord has raised the possibility that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may refrain from signing the trade treaty by the scheduled deadline, a move that has reportedly displeased Brazil, one of the Mercosur bloc countries.

This widespread protest action reflects growing discontent among farmers who fear the economic viability of European agriculture is being compromised. The demonstrations coincide with a crucial EU summit, signaling a critical moment for the future of EU trade policy and agricultural priorities.

As protests escalate, with thousands of tractors and demonstrators mobilizing in Brussels, the EU faces mounting pressure to reconsider the trade pact's timing and terms amid calls for dialogue and revisions.