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Thousands of Farmers Rally in Brussels During EU Summit as Police Deploy Water Cannons

The protest targets EU budget plans, CAP reforms, the Mercosur pact.

Overview

  • Reports from Belgian media and ANSA pointed to over 9,000 protesters with more than 500 tractors representing roughly 40 farm organizations from across EU member states.
  • Demonstrators marched from near Gare du Nord toward the European quarter during the leaders' summit at the Europe Building, causing major road closures and disruptions to STIB public transport.
  • Reporting and on-scene video documented confrontations, with some protesters throwing potatoes while police used water cannons to push back tractors and crowds.
  • A separate group at Place du Luxembourg, described as unaffiliated with Copa-Cogeca, threw eggs, stones and potatoes at European Parliament buildings and set small fires, including burning the central tree and tires.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron said the EUMercosur trade deal cannot be signed in its current form and urged safeguard provisions and reciprocity.