Thousands of farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal in Brussels as support wavers

Thousands of farmers from across the European Union gathered in Brussels on Thursday to protest a planned trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc, as opposition from key member states cast new doubt over the deal.

Farmers arrive to protest in the streets of Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. Thousands of farmers from across Europe protested in Brussels, bringing tractors near EU institutions to denounce EU agricultural and trade policies, particularly the EU-Mercosur deal, CAP reforms, and rising regulatory and financial pressures, during an EU leaders' su

Photo: EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

The demonstration, which coincided with a European Union leaders’ summit, targeted the long-debated pact with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Protesters fear the deal would flood the EU market with cheap agricultural imports, harming European farmers.

Despite reinforced safeguards in the agreement, farmers say they remain insufficient. Participants in the protest included representatives from dozens of agricultural organizations across the EU, including Poland, with tractors arriving in the Belgian capital overnight.

The deal’s approval has become increasingly uncertain after France and Italy joined Poland and Hungary in expressing reservations. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Wednesday that finalizing the deal now would be "premature," aligning Rome unexpectedly with Paris and Warsaw.

Just days ago, Poland stood nearly alone in opposing the pact, though it had pushed for stronger protective measures for farmers. The shift by France and Italy has introduced tension within the European Commission, which had planned for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to sign the agreement at a Mercosur summit in Brazil on Saturday.

The Danish EU Council presidency still has a vote on the deal scheduled for Friday’s ambassador-level meeting, but diplomats say its fate may hinge on last-minute discussions during or on the sidelines of the summit.

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Source: IAR