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Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal Outside European Parliament

Published January 20, 2026, 19:27
Farmers Protest EU-Mercosur Deal Outside European Parliament

Thousands of farmers from various European countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, and Poland, gathered in Strasbourg, outside the European Parliament, to protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). The demonstration took place on the eve of a vote regarding a potential referral to the European Court of Justice (CJUE) to challenge the legality of the agreement. The protesters focused their criticism on the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who signed the deal on Saturday in Paraguay. Copa-Cogeca, the organization representing farmers, accused the European Commission of abandoning the agricultural sector. The president of FNSEA, Arnaud Rousseau, emphasized the need for a European agricultural sector that produces within Europe. The situation escalated in the afternoon, with protesters throwing objects at police forces, who responded with tear gas. Farmers express fears that the agreement will lead to the import of food produced with lower standards, using more pesticides and without the same regulations as European producers. The farmers intend to remain in Strasbourg until Wednesday, declaring their determination to continue their fight. Tomorrow's vote concerns a potential referral to the CJUE, which will examine whether the agreement is compatible with European treaties. If the court rules that it is not, the agreement will not come into force unless it is amended.