Brussels, the centre of power of the European institutions, yesterday witnessed massive protests by farmers from numerous EU countries. The demonstrations paralyzed large parts of the city and were mainly directed against the planned EU-Mercosur free trade agreement with South American countries, which many farmers see as an existential threat.

In contrast to the often rather restrained demonstrations in Germany, farmers in Brussels were extremely determined. Barricades were erected, tractors blocked access roads, vegetables flew through the air. These actions reflected the desperation of many farmers who feel ignored by an EU policy that sacrifices regional agriculture for the sake of international trade interests. This form of protest can be viewed critically – just as other, socially accepted forms of protest may also be critically questioned.

The events made it clear that civil disobedience is the last resort for many people to break the autocracy of the political decision-makers in Brussels.

The situation escalated quickly. According to the police, around 7,000 farmers took part, while the organizers spoke of significantly higher numbers. About 1,000 tractors – far more than approved – blocked the environment of the EU institutions. Tires burned, a symbolic coffin with the inscription "Agriculture" was burned, pyrotechnics caused thick clouds of smoke. At times, the images seemed as if an inner state of emergency had broken out in the Europaviertel.

Potatoes, beets and other objects flew in the direction of the police and onto buildings of the EU Parliament. Even a mobile toilet was thrown – a drastic but unmistakable symbolism for the rejection of the EU's agricultural policy. The emergency services responded with tear gas and water cannons, and several areas were evacuated as a precaution.

Although there were no serious injuries, the pictures of injured demonstrators on the roadside show how hard the clashes were fought.

As in many large demonstrations, groups mingled with the participants who were less concerned with the concerns of the farmers than with general riots. Nevertheless, the serious commitment clearly prevailed. Farmers from France, Spain, Poland, Austria and Germany showed solidarity. A 23-year-old Frenchman put it in a nutshell: "We are fighting for our jobs." A 60-year-old Belgian added: "This agreement harms farmers, consumers and Europe as a whole."

Parallel to the sometimes aggressive actions, quieter rallies also took place, at which criticism was formulated more cautiously – a sign of how broad and multi-layered the discontent is.

At the center of the criticism is the Mercosur agreement, which provides for the reduction of tariffs between the EU and countries such as Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay. European farmers fear a massive distortion of competition due to cheaper imports, which are produced under significantly lower environmental and production standards. "We have to meet strict requirements, while many things are allowed there - and yet the EU wants to import more," complained one participant.

From the point of view of the demonstrators, the political decision-makers in Brussels – above all Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – continue to focus on global trade goals and ignore the concerns of their own population. Critics warn that this policy destroys jobs, weakens security of supply and undermines Europe's independence.

In countries like Belgium and especially France, such direct protests are not unusual. There, state institutions are sometimes covered with manure to make grievances unmistakable.

Germany, on the other hand, could learn – at least in part – from this determination. More civil society pressure would certainly be good for the local protest culture in order to influence political decisions more noticeably. At the same time, it must be noted that the EU elites often largely impose their agenda even in countries with a pronounced protest culture.

A small success for the farmers: the signing of the agreement has been postponed until January for the time being. One of the decisive factors was the initiative of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who, together with other states, expressed additional concerns. Stronger protection mechanisms for farmers and stricter import controls are demanded. Nevertheless, euphoria is out of place – Meloni in particular has shown several times in the past that she is more likely to be part of maintaining political power than its opponent when it comes to central questions of power.

Nevertheless, this postponement shows one thing clearly: pressure can have an effect. The protests in Brussels are a renewed warning call. Europe's farmers are fighting not only for their own farms, but for the supply, stability and independence of Europe as a whole. It is time to take them seriously, to support them and to hold those responsible in Brussels accountable. Solidarity with farmers – against a policy that undermines Europe from within.












Author: Editors
Source: Letter to the editor / Guest article
Image: REUTERS