Belgian farmers close roads in protest against the Mercosur-EU agreement

Belgian farmers concluded a 24-hour protest this Thursday, with the blocking of roads on the borders with France and Germany. The demonstration was motivated by the imminent signing of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union.

Farmers argue the deal could flood the EU market with cheaper produce produced under less stringent environmental and labor regulations than those imposed on their production.

The majority of farmers involved in the protest are from the Wallonia region, located in the south of Belgium and predominantly French-speaking, with a strong agricultural tradition and dependent on agriculture for their subsistence.

Blockades were reported on key routes including the N89 at Bouillon near the French border and the E19 motorway at Hautrage, closing access to France via Hensies.

Disruptions also occurred in the province of Liège, with blockages at Liège-Bierset airport and closures on the E40 motorway towards Brussels, near Welkenraedt.