Farmers threw eggs and stones at the European Parliament, set fires near the building and set off petards during protests on Thursday, the 1st of February, to put pressure on European Union (EU) leaders to help farmers with taxes and rising costs, reports Reuters.
Protesters tried to break down barriers erected outside parliament, near the summit venue, but were repelled by police who used water hoses and tear gas.
“This is Not the Europe We Want”
Brussels in gridlock today as protesting farmers shut down the city centre right in time for #EUCO
From CAP, Ukraine, and the green transition, many feel the sector a sacrificial lamb to social engineering
More coming w/ @EuroConOfficial pic.twitter.com/yVMOywDCGF
— Thomas O’Reilly (@TOR_EuroCon) February 1, 2024
During the protests in Brussels, around 1 300 tractors from different EU countries, including Italy and Spain, blocked the city’s main roads. Security forces in riot gear guarded the Parliament area where EU leaders were gathered and there were reports that a statue in the square had been damaged.
Farmers have put posters on tractors with the messages “If you love the land, support those who farm it” and “No farmers, no food”.
The demonstrations are aimed at making farmers heard by EU leaders.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, told farmers that “we see you and we hear you”, writes Reuters citing her.
Farmers across Europe have reached some compromises, including EU Commission proposals to restrict imports of agricultural products from Ukraine and to relax environmental rules on fallow land.
Despite this, farmers claim that the measures taken are insufficient, which is why farmers are starting to protest in other countries.
Although the farmers’ crisis is not officially on the agenda of the EU summit, it is expected to be discussed informally.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has stressed that the summit should discuss farmers’ grievances, stressing the importance of ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their products.
In addition, the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, referring to the French President Emmanuel Macron, has expressed his opposition to signing a trade agreement with Mercosur group of South American countries in its current form, thus supporting the key demand of farmers.
Also read: Latraps: this year’s biggest challenge will be stabilising agriculture sector’s financial situation
Follow us on Facebook and X!