The farmers’ protests in Europe have now reached the EU summit. Farmers from several countries blocked roads in Brussels with their tractors on Thursday morning to demonstrate against rising costs, environmental regulations and cheap imports during the meeting of heads of state and government.
Farmers lit bonfires near the EU Parliament and shot off fireworks, with some throwing eggs at the building. Manure was also spread on the floor. The police were present with a large contingent. The Brussels public transport company announced on X (formerly Twitter) that several bus lines had been disrupted due to the protests.
The police counted about 1,000 tractors
According to police estimates, farmers from Belgium and other European countries took part in the roadblocks with around 1,000 tractors. For example, one tractor displayed a banner that read, “If you love the earth, support those who work it,” while another banner read, “No farmers, no food.”
Security forces in hazmat suits stood behind barriers in front of the EU headquarters, where heads of state and government discussed further aid to Ukraine. EU leaders expressed their understanding of farmers’ concerns. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo welcomed the fact that the European Commission recently expanded exemptions from environmental regulations. “It would be better not to extend this for just one year,” he said. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar called on the EU not to impose new requirements in the coming years. He also joined the French opposition to the EU’s trade deal with the Mercosur countries. “Mercosur cannot be ratified in its current form,” Varadkar said.
Orbán hears ‘voice of the people’
Eastern European farmers are also angry and complain about price pressure as a result of the suspension of import duties on deliveries from Ukraine. Here too, the European Commission wants to make improvements with quantitative restrictions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted a video about him
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
