Thousands of Irish farmers took to the streets on Saturday following the EU’s approval of a free trade agreement with Mercosur countries, expressing fears that South American imports could seriously undermine the competitiveness of European agriculture. Belgian farmers were also blocking streets in several provinces after Friday’s controversial EU decision.
Despite strong opposition from France and other member states, the European Union approved the trade deal with the Mercosur bloc on Friday. After consultations between ambassadors in Brussels, a majority of the 27 member states backed the agreement, which is scheduled to be signed in Paraguay in mid-January. EU and Mercosur leaders have hailed the deal as key to boosting exports and international relations, while farmers warn that cheap South American products threaten local production and livelihoods.
In protest, thousands of Irish farmers demonstrated on Saturday, many of them traveling across the country on tractors, opposing the largest free trade agreement ever. The protesters held banners reading: “Don’t sacrifice family farms for German cars,” “Our cows follow the rules, why don’t theirs?” and “Sell yourselves.” The Irish government argues that the agreement does not provide safeguards against weaker food safety standards in South America.
Similar demonstrations took place on Friday in Poland, France, Belgium, and Italy, where farmers in Milan disrupted traffic, dumped barrels of straw, and poured milk in front of the regional council building.
The agreement still requires approval by the European Parliament before entering into force. Patriotic European politicians have voiced strong criticism and, like France, Ireland has pledged to push for its rejection during the parliamentary vote.
