Hundreds protest as EU leaders conflict over commerce pact farmers worry will flood Europe with cheaper South American items.
Printed On 18 Dec 2025
Tons of of tractors have clogged the streets of Brussels as farmers converged on the Belgian capital to protest in opposition to the contentious commerce settlement between the European Union and South American nations they are saying will destroy their livelihoods.
The demonstrations erupted on Thursday as EU leaders gathered for a summit the place the destiny of the Mercosur deal hung within the stability. Greater than 150 tractors blocked central Brussels, with an estimated 10,000 protesters anticipated within the European quarter, based on farm foyer Copa-Cogeca.
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It made for a twin-tracked day of febrile rigidity inside and outside on the EU summit as leaders had been maybe extra targeted on a vote to find out whether or not they’re able to use almost $200bn in frozen Russian property to help Ukraine over the subsequent two years.
Exterior the gilded halls on the streets, farmers hurled potatoes and eggs at police, set off fireworks and firecrackers, and introduced visitors to a standstill.
Authorities responded with tear fuel and water cannon, organising roadblocks and shutting tunnels across the metropolis. One tractor displayed an indication studying: “Why import sugar from the opposite aspect of the world after we produce the most effective proper right here?”
“We’re right here to say no to Mercosur,” Belgian dairy farmer Maxime Mabille stated, accusing European Fee chief Ursula von der Leyen of making an attempt to “drive the deal by way of” like “Europe has turn into a dictatorship”.
Protesters worry an inflow of cheaper agricultural merchandise from Brazil and neighbouring nations would undercut European producers. Their considerations centre on beef, sugar, rice, honey and soya beans from South American rivals going through much less stringent laws, notably on pesticides banned within the EU.
“We’ve been protesting since 2024 in France, in Belgium and elsewhere,” stated Florian Poncelet of Belgian farm union FJA. “We’d prefer to be lastly listened to.”
France and Italy now lead opposition to the deal, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring that “we’re not prepared” and the settlement “can’t be signed” in its present type.
France has coordinated with Poland, Belgium, Austria and Eire to drive a postponement, giving critics ample votes inside the European Council to probably block the pact.
Nevertheless, Germany and Spain are pushing exhausting for approval. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that selections “have to be made now” if the EU desires to “stay credible in world commerce coverage”, whereas Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez argued the deal would give Europe “geo-economic and geopolitical weight” in opposition to adversaries.
The settlement, 25 years within the making, would create the world’s largest free-trade space overlaying 780 million individuals and 1 / 4 of worldwide gross home product (GDP).
Supporters say it gives a counterweight to China and would increase European exports of automobiles, equipment and wines amid rising US tariffs.
Regardless of provisional safeguards negotiated on Wednesday to cap delicate imports, opposition has intensified. Von der Leyen stays decided to journey to Brazil this weekend to signal the deal, however wants backing from at the very least two-thirds of EU nations.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva issued an ultimatum on Wednesday, warning that Saturday represents a “now or by no means” second, including that “Brazil gained’t make any extra agreements whereas I’m president” if the deal fails.
