European farmers block roads as EU nears Mercosur trade deal

Farmers across Europe intensified demonstrations on Friday as the European Union prepared to give formal approval to the long-negotiated Mercosur trade deal. Protesters argue the agreement, which would ease tariffs between the EU and South American countries, risks exposing European agriculture to unfair competition and weaker regulatory standards.

Blockades across Belgium and France

In Belgium, Walloon farmers blocked major highways south of Brussels and across Wallonia, disrupting traffic overnight and into Friday morning. Guillaume Van Binst, secretary general of the Walloon Federation of Young Farmers, said the aim was to shut down key roads for an entire day, with further action possible depending on political reactions. In France, authorities closed two highways linking the country with Belgium after farmers obstructed border routes.

Paris protests and farmer demands

French farmers continued demonstrations in Paris, staging a slow-moving tractor convoy on the capital’s ring road that caused severe congestion across the Ile-de-France region. The action followed tractor rallies near major landmarks a day earlier. Farmer groups said they were mobilizing against “unbridled free trade,” calling for an end to livestock culling policies and tighter control over sanitary regulations.

Greek farmers maintain pressure

In Greece, farmers sustained roadblocks on major transport routes, including the Tempe tunnel area in Thessaly and junctions near Larissa. Protesters are demanding relief from rising production costs, faster subsidy payments and broader government support. A nationwide coordinating meeting is planned over the weekend, ahead of talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis next week.

Deal expected despite opposition

The EU-Mercosur agreement, discussed for more than two decades, is expected to be approved later Friday despite objections from countries such as France, Ireland, Poland and Hungary. Belgium is likely to abstain, but the deal is still set to pass with a qualified majority, further fueling concerns among farmers who say it threatens livelihoods and food security across Europe.