Brussels/Strasbourg – On Tuesday, a large number of European farmers gathered in Strasbourg to voice their concerns regarding the EU’s trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc and to urge Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are convening in Strasbourg. The protests were led by the president of the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food Industry, Andrej Gajdoš, according to a report from TASR.
The protest was organized by France’s largest farmers’ union, FNSEA. FNSEA Secretary General Hervé Lapie indicated to the media that 600 to 700 tractors had descended upon Strasbourg, with around 4,000 farmers from various EU nations, predominantly from France, expected to participate.
Protesters engaged with several MEPs, with the French delegation intending to remain in Strasbourg until Wednesday (21 January), as confirmed by Andrej Gajdoš. After marching through the city, farmers gathered near the European Parliament for key speeches, during which minor confrontations occurred between demonstrators and police.
When questioned about the adequacy of protection guarantees provided to European farmers by the European Commission, as relayed by European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič, Gajdoš expressed that these guarantees are inadequate for both Slovak and European farmers. He emphasized the uncertainty regarding the European Commission’s intentions for financial compensation, whether it would be a long-term solution over 20–30 years or merely a short-term measure to placate concerns.
“Politicians will always assure us that everything is fine, but we know it is not. In EU countries, food is produced under completely different standards. Even though food from Mercosur crosses an entire ocean, it can still arrive in Europe cheaper than we can produce it at home. Something is not right,” Gajdoš asserted. He added that farmers are skeptical of political assurances and require clearer guarantees that Mercosur imports will not undermine the European agricultural sector or compromise food quality for consumers.
Gajdoš pointed out that Slovak producers are particularly concerned about imports of beef, poultry, eggs, and sugar, but also highlighted soy, corn, and ethanol as areas of concern. He noted that European farmers stand united on these issues.
On Wednesday, the farmers plan to vote on a resolution to request the Court of Justice of the EU to assess whether the Mercosur agreement aligns with other EU treaties. If the European Parliament ratifies the agreement in the coming months, it will be crucial for European farmers and food producers to coordinate future actions. MEPs are set to vote on whether to submit the trade agreement to the Court of Justice of the EU for evaluation of its conformity with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Should the court provide a negative opinion, the trade agreement could only take effect if it is amended and updated. (20 January)
“Even though food from Mercosur crosses an entire ocean, it can still arrive in Europe cheaper than we can produce it at home. Something is not right.” Andrej Gajdoš
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