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Farmers block roads in Brussels to protest South American free-trade deal
Farmers from all 27 EU countries rallied with 10,000 protesters to oppose the trade deal fearing unfair competition and potential cuts to farm subsidies, organizers said.
- On February 1, 2024, thousands of farmers blocked Brussels' European quarter with tractors, set off fireworks and hurled potatoes and eggs while police in Brussels used tear gas and water cannon during the EU leaders' summit.
- Worried by commission proposals, European farmers fear cheaper South American beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans will undercut livelihoods, and the Walloon Agricultural Federation calls the 20 percent subsidy cut "totally unacceptable."
- Ahead of the summit, Copa-Cogeca expected about 10,000 protesters and FWA among more than 40 farming groups converging on Place Luxembourg.
- Italy's move to join France seeking a delay threw plans to seal the deal into jeopardy, yet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa remain scheduled to sign in Brazil on Saturday.
- The accord would eliminate tariffs on nearly all goods over 15 years and has been negotiated for 25 years; once ratified it would cover 780 million people and a quarter of global GDP.
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Roundup: European farmers' protests against Mercosur deal highlight EU division
·Beijing, China
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European farmers' protests against Mercosur deal highlight EU divisions
·China
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Up to 10,000 farmers demonstrated against the EU-Mercosur agreement in Brussels on Thursday.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources231
Leaning Left41Leaning Right33Center47Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
39% Center
L 34%
C 39%
R 27%
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