Farmers rally against EU agricultural policies at European Parliament

On Thursday, farmers gathered in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, where EU leaders convened for a special European Council meeting

Farmers, who have been demonstrating across Europe against the European Union’s agricultural policies, burned tires and banners during a protest in front of the European Parliament building to demand better conditions for the agricultural sector to grow, produce and earn a decent income ahead of a special European Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium on Feb. 1, 2024.

EU leaders met to discuss “urgent issues” including the war in Ukraine and the Multiannual Financial Framework.

In a letter sent on Wednesday, European Council President Charles Michel invited leaders to resume talks on “some of the most pressing issues affecting us”.

“Securing the deal is vital for our credibility and, in particular, for our commitment to provide decisive support to Ukraine,” Michel said.

Ahead of the meeting, Alexander De Croo, prime minister of Belgium, which recently assumed the rotating presidency of the Council, said there was “a lot on the table”.

De Croo also referred to the growing number of farmer protests in EU capitals, saying the issue should be discussed as the concerns were “legitimate”.

“I am confident that this time, too, we will find a way to reach an agreement,” De Croo said. In December, leaders failed to agree on a 50 billion euro ($54.6 billion) financial aid package for Kyiv due to Hungary’s opposition.