Strasbourg, France – On Tuesday, thousands of European farmers gathered in Strasbourg to protest the European Union’s free trade agreement with the Latin American Mercosur bloc.
Local officials reported approximately 5,000 protesters and several hundred tractors participated in the demonstration, coinciding with a plenary session of the European Parliament taking place that week.
EU lawmakers are scheduled to decide on Wednesday whether to seek the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) opinion on the compatibility of the contested Mercosur agreement with EU law, a move that could delay the ratification process.
The free trade agreement, signed in Paraguay last weekend, now requires approval from the European Parliament.
The farmers aimed to exert pressure on EU decision-makers, expressing concerns over potential competitive disadvantages from inexpensive imports from South America.
Protesters ignited smoke bombs and held signs with messages like “Von der Leyen go home,” targeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The demonstration led to significant traffic disruptions in Strasbourg, with several roads being blocked. (January 20)
The editorial responsibility for the publication lies with dpa.
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