Thousands of farmers from across the European Union gathered in Brussels on Wednesday, bringing with them about 500 tractors to Luxembourg Square, just outside the European Parliament. The large-scale protest was aimed at opposing the EU’s proposed free-trade agreement with Mercosur. The demonstration coincided with high-level talks among EU leaders, adding more pressure to the ongoing discussions.
Around 10,000 farmers voiced concerns that the deal with Mercosur—a South American trade alliance including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—could flood the market with cheaper agricultural imports. They argue this would jeopardize European farmers who are already struggling with rising expenses and stringent regulations. Many also expressed frustration over the possibility of reduced EU farm subsidies.
While EU officials maintain that the agreement could boost export opportunities for European industries, farming organizations believe that the safeguards for agriculture are still lacking.
Forwarded fromSouthern Cross Report
December 18, 2025 305 1
