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A farmer sits in a chair next to potatoes near the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg, during a farmers' protest to denounce the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and trade agreements such as the Mercosur, in Brussels, on December 18, 2025, organised by Copa-Cogeca, the main association representing farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the EU. EU Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal -- which will be discussed at the EU leaders meeting -- will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours. They also oppose plans put forward by the European Commission to overhaul the 27-nation bloc's huge farming subsidies, fearing less money will flow their way. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP)
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Firstpost•18-12-2025, 21:59

Farmers Clash with Police in Brussels Over EU-Mercosur Deal, Subsidies

  • •Farmers protested outside the European Parliament in Brussels, clashing with riot police over the EU-Mercosur trade deal and proposed farming subsidy cuts.
  • •Protesters lit fires, hurled potatoes, and used around 1,000 tractors, leading to police response with teargas and water cannons.
  • •Farmers fear the Mercosur deal will allow cheaper agricultural imports from South America, undercutting their produce.
  • •France and Italy, among others, oppose the deal without stronger safeguards, while Germany and Spain support it, making its approval uncertain.
  • •European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met with farmers but emphasized the importance of the Mercosur deal.

Why It Matters: EU farmers intensify protests in Brussels, demanding stronger safeguards against Mercosur deal and subsidy cuts.

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