The demonstration brought together farmers from several member states, including France, Italy, Belgium and Poland, many of whom arrived with tractors and banners outside the European Parliament. The protest reflects growing concern within the agricultural sector over the potential impact of the agreement on European farming standards, competitiveness and market stability.
EU–Mercosur agreement, concluded after more than two decades of negotiations, aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, covering trade between the EU and South American countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. While the deal is designed to eliminate tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade, farmers argue that it exposes European producers to unfair competition.
Protesters warn that increased imports of agricultural products from Mercosur could undermine EU farmers by allowing goods produced under lower environmental, sanitary and labour standards to enter the European market. Particular concern has been raised over meat, poultry, sugar, rice, honey and soy-based products, which are expected to gain improved access to the EU under the agreement.
RELATED NEWS: Mercosur, a scenario still wide open
Farmers also stress that differences in the use of crop protection products and production practices could place European producers at a disadvantage, given the stricter regulatory framework they are required to comply with. According to sector representatives, this imbalance risks eroding farm incomes and weakening the sustainability of rural areas across the EU.
Although final ratification of the agreement is still months away, Members of the European Parliament are set to vote on whether to request a legal assessment by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Such a move could delay the implementation of the treaty and potentially lead to revisions aimed at strengthening safeguards for sensitive agricultural sectors.
Demonstrators have made clear their intention to maintain pressure on EU institutions, insisting that trade policy must ensure reciprocity, protect food safety standards and uphold the long-term viability of European agriculture. For many in the sector, the outcome of the current parliamentary debate will be a decisive test of how agricultural interests are balanced within the EU’s broader trade strategy.
