Brussels: Tensions erupted in central Brussels on Thursday as thousands of Belgian farmers protesting the European Union’s proposed free-trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc clashed with police, highlighting the growing unrest in Europe’s agricultural sector. The demonstration coincided with a key EU summit where leaders were discussing the contentious trade pact, which involves Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The protest began as a planned demonstration with roughly 50 tractors authorized to enter the city. By midday, however, the number of tractors swelled to approximately 1,000, with around 7,000 participants attending the broader rally. What started as a peaceful gathering quickly escalated when some protesters hurled rocks, vegetables, and debris at law enforcement. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons, and several arrests were reported. A tractor was briefly driven toward a police line, though no officers were injured. Journalists covering the scene also faced harassment from some demonstrators.
The protesters voiced concerns that the Mercosur trade deal would flood European markets with cheaper beef, poultry, and sugar, undercutting domestic farmers who are already struggling with high production costs, strict environmental regulations, and intense market competition. Many rural communities fear that reduced tariffs on South American goods would threaten livelihoods and destabilize local agriculture.
“This agreement could have devastating effects on European farmers,” one demonstrator said. “We are not opposed to trade, but it must be fair and protect those who feed the continent.”
The protest reflects broader divisions among EU member states over the trade pact. France and Italy have demanded stronger safeguards for domestic agriculture, while Poland and Hungary have also voiced opposition without additional protections. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany and Spain have expressed support for the agreement, citing the potential for expanded markets and stronger geopolitical ties.
The timing of the protest, coinciding with ongoing summit discussions, underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the deal. EU leaders now face pressure not only to negotiate the terms of trade but also to address growing public opposition in member states.
Belgium is not alone in witnessing farmer unrest. Across Europe, agricultural communities have increasingly protested trade policies, environmental rules, and perceived inequities in market competition. Analysts say these demonstrations highlight the challenges European policymakers face in balancing economic liberalization with the protection of vulnerable sectors, particularly when trade agreements intersect with domestic livelihoods and social stability.
As the EU summit continues, Brussels confronts both immediate civil unrest and the long-term implications of the Mercosur agreement for European agriculture. The outcome of these negotiations may set precedents for future trade policies, while also shaping the relationship between European institutions and rural communities. For Belgian farmers, Thursday’s protests signal a determination to ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power, even if it means confronting authorities in the streets.