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Farmers' protest in Brussels escalates during EU summit
Thousands of farmers from various EU countries took to the streets of the Belgian capital, Brussels, yesterday. What began as a protest against European agricultural and trade policies escalated later in the day into clashes with police.
The demonstration attracted farmers from several European countries, particularly Belgium, but also groups from the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Ireland. Police estimated the number of farmers present at around 7.000, while organizers estimate around 10.000 participants and hundreds of tractors that paraded through the streets.
Large European farmers' protest in Brussels during EU summit. The action is aimed at, among other things, Mercosur and MFF reform. The European quarter is blocked with tractors. pic.twitter.com/SG2395QCcX
— Alexander Bakker (@alexanderbakker) December 18, 2025
The protest march was organized by major agricultural and farming associations, including the European umbrella organization Copa Cogeca, which includes many national farmers' organizations.
Why are the farmers protesting?
Farmers explained their actions through a combination of economic and policy complaints:
- EU-Mercosur trade agreement
A major point of opposition is the planned free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Farmers fear that the agreement will lead to cheap agricultural imports from South America, making European farmers uncompetitive and further depressing their incomes.
- Agricultural subsidies and CAP budget
Simultaneously, the protest is taking place during a European summit where leaders are discussing, among other things, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the next EU budget. Farmers are demanding a strong and adequately funded agricultural budget and are concerned about plans to reduce or reform subsidies, which threaten their financial stability.
What happened during the protest?
The mobilization began early on the morning of December 18th, with tractors blocking roads and streets in the center of Brussels. Around noon and in the afternoon, parts of the demonstration escalated.
Some protesting farmers threw stones, potatoes, and fireworks at police and buildings. Trucks loaded with potatoes were unloaded, causing cars to skid. Hay bales and tractor tires were set on fire, and fireworks were set off. Police used water cannons and tear gas to restore order. Members of the European Parliament and staff were asked to stay away from windows in buildings near the protest zone as a precaution. At least one person was injured during the clashes, and several buildings sustained minor damage.
Why now?
The protests coincided with an EU summit, where heads of state and government make important decisions about the European economy, agricultural budget, and international trade agreements. Farmers wanted to exert maximum pressure on policymakers to address their concerns.
Des habitants viennent ramasser des patates sur le bord des routes à #Brussels after some #agriculturists ont déversé des bennes.#Brussels #Brussels pic.twitter.com/Ukartwc7WB
— Luc Auffret (@LucAuffret) December 18, 2025
John Ramaker
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