At EU’s doorstep: Farmers block headquarters before summit

Amidst a major EU summit, farmers across Belgium, France and Italy intensify protests for better pricing and reduced bureaucracy

Farmers in Belgium, France and Italy escalated their protests this week, blocking key transport routes to demand better prices for their produce and less bureaucracy. Their actions have brought them to the brink of Brussels, coinciding with a major European Union summit.

The tension peaked in France when police arrested 91 protesters who breached Europe’s largest food market, Rungis, near Paris. This unrest prompted the European Commission to propose measures to shield farmers from low-priced Ukrainian exports and to relax environmental land use restrictions. These proposals still require approval from the EU’s member states and the European Parliament.

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic reassured the farmers, stating, “We are addressing two very important concerns of them right now.”

The widespread demonstrations have caused significant disruptions, affecting millions in their daily commutes and businesses. Sven Pieters of ECS transport in Belgium’s Zeebrugge port noted the substantial economic impact.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin warned against attempts to blockade the Rungis market and airports, labeling these actions as “red lines.” Despite these warnings, the protests have largely remained peaceful.

The climax of these demonstrations is expected in Belgium, where farmers plan to converge outside EU headquarters during the government leaders’ summit. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo recognized the farmers’ challenges, from climate change adaptation to environmental pollution. He intends to address these issues at the summit, which is currently focused on Ukraine.

Source: Reuters