Farmers gather near EU building to protest agriculture ministers’ meeting

Tensions rise as farmers drive tractors into Brussels, clashing with police near the European Council building during the meeting of the EU’s agriculture ministers

European Union’s (EU) agriculture ministers from 27 member states convened at the European Council building in Brussels on Feb. 26. 

Farmers, frustrated with bureaucracy and competition from inexpensive imports, drove their tractors into Brussels in bold protest during the bloc’s agriculture ministers’ meeting. Police surrounded the building with concrete barriers.

Farmers unloaded a trailer full of tires just a short distance from the European Council building.

Police responded by deploying water cannons before the rubber piles were set ablaze. Earlier in the month, a similar protest turned violent when farmers set hay bales on fire and hurled eggs and firecrackers at police during an EU leaders’ summit.

These demonstrations are part of a more significant wave of rallies and protests from European farmers.

Over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron faced jeers and boos from farmers at the opening of the Paris Agricultural Show, with many criticizing his perceived lack of support for the agricultural sector.

Protests have also recently erupted in Spain, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria.

Belgium, the current holder of the EU presidency, acknowledged the farmers’ grievances, which include concerns about the challenges of complying with environmental regulations, a decrease in support from the bloc’s agricultural subsidy system, and the repercussions of Russia’s actions on Ukraine’s grain supply.

Source: Newsroom

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