Farmers from Belgium and other European countries are protesting in Brussels against a trade agreement and environmental regulations. This also leads to violence – with consequences for the European Parliament.
On the sidelines of a special EU summit in Brussels, farmers protested, sometimes violently, against environmental regulations and a trade agreement.
The institution was partially sealed off due to actions surrounding the European Parliament. Objects were set on fire in front of the buildings, the police protected the main entrance with barbed wire and units in riot gear, as can be seen in photos. The meeting location of the heads of state and government was largely shielded by the police.
Farmers are currently protesting in several EU countries. Among other things, they see themselves as disproportionately restricted by environmental regulations from the European Union. The Mercosur trade agreement is also criticized. The EU provides farmers with tens of billions of euros in subsidies every year. In order for these to be paid out, you must also adhere to certain requirements.
Farmers took part in the protests in Brussels with around 1,300 tractors, the police said. In some cases there were clashes with objects being thrown and tear gas being used. A video intended to show the protests shows an incendiary device being thrown towards police officers. There was initially no confirmation from the police as to whether the video was authentic.
At the EU summit, new aid for Ukraine was primarily on the agenda. Before the summit began, Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for the farmers’ protests to be discussed among heads of state and government. “The concerns they have are partly justified,” he said. It must be ensured that farmers are partners in the fight against climate change.
Be careful with farmers’ protest in Brussels
Because of the protests in front of parliament, employees were asked to be careful by the administration. “It is strongly recommended that you do not approach the demonstrations or take photos.” Some entrances are closed so that demonstrators cannot enter the building. EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “We should not focus on blaming those who are protesting, but rather say that we are listening to you.” As a parliament, we believe that no one’s voice should be ignored.
The EU Commission met the farmers on Wednesday and suggested an exception. Retroactively to January 1st, the requirement that four percent of arable land must lie fallow or be used unproductively is to be suspended. The requirement is actually intended to protect the environment. Hedges in which birds can breed are considered unproductive use. In order for farmers to benefit from the proposed exception, they should in return grow nitrogen-fixing plants such as lentils or peas or catch crops on seven percent of their arable land.
Source: Stern
