Farmers organized protests with tractors across Belgium and Paris in objection to the Mercosur agreement.
Farmers organized large protests with tractors in Belgium and Paris on Thursday, opposing the proposed free trade agreement from the European Union with the Mercosur bloc in South America, aiming to highlight the potential risks of unfair competition and harm to local agriculture.
In Ghent, about 100 tractors formed what is called a "filter barrier" at the roundabout near Eurosilo, where cars were allowed to pass in only one lane. This action, organized by the General Farmers' Union (ABS), caused traffic delays without a complete closure, and it was expected to last until the evening.
Similar movements occurred near Antwerp in Wommelgem, where farmers partially occupied a roundabout, leading to the closure of one lane and causing congestion on the Autolei road. Authorities confirmed that nearby highways, including the E313, were not significantly affected, and farmers were allowed to stay until 10 PM.
In Zeebrugge, between 150 and 200 tractors blocked the A11 road, a major route connecting to the port. Trucks were allowed to pass slowly, and authorities managed to prevent any major traffic disruptions. Belgian agricultural organizations reiterated their rejection of the Mercosur agreement, citing concerns about food safety, animal welfare, pesticides, and working conditions.
The protests also moved to Paris, where about 100 tractors gathered near the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe despite police surveillance. Farmers in France reiterated the demands of their counterparts in Belgium, warning that the agreement could harm local agriculture, and calling on EU officials to reject the deal.