They warn that this free trade deal would harm farmers, the environment and food sovereignty.
On Thursday, thousands of European farmers gathered in Brussels to reject the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). The massive mobilization took place at the same time as the EU’s annual leaders’ summit in the Belgian capital.
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The protest was organized by the Committee of Agricultural Organizations and Community Cooperatives (COPA-COGECA), which had asked citizens to hold a pedestrian demonstration. However, thousands of French and Belgian farmers drove their tractors into Brussels, causing major traffic disruptions Brussels.
Shortly after noon, the first clashes were reported. Police used tear gas and water cannons against the farmers, who say the EU-Mercosur FTA harms the environment and betrays the interests of European farmers, workers and consumers.
At the heart of producers’ concerns is the fear of “unfair competition,” as they anticipate the agreement would flood the European market with cheaper Latin American products produced under lower standards.
Since 2024, farmers have been voicing these concerns through waves of protests across several European countries. The protesters are also demanding the withdrawal of a European Commission proposal that would cut funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC) by 22 percent.
🚨🇪🇺 The EU Deploys the Military
No not against Russia – but against its own Farmers – the people who work 365 days a year non-stop, care for the countryside and grow all food‼️ pic.twitter.com/Zf2pFSvcDA
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) December 18, 2025
The day of action reflects widespread discontent with neoliberal policies that, according to the protesters, prioritize the interests of large corporations over the well-being of farm workers and the food sovereignty of peoples.
As European farmers protested in the streets, Brazilian President Lula da Silva confirmed that the EU-Mercosur FTA will be signed on Dec. 20 after years of negotiations.
The PAC is the system of subsidies and programs managed by the European Union since 1962 to support rural development. The budget for the mechanism is discussed annually among member states to determine the level of technical and financial assistance producers in the region receive.
Founded in 1991, Mercosur is made up of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It also includes associate states Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Argentina: At the recent MERCOSUR Summit in Buenos Aires, President Javier Milei officially handed over the bloc’s pro-tempore presidency to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/diO82VREjB
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 7, 2025
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Sources: EFE
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