Around 100 farmers from France and Belgium have blocked highway border crossings in protest against the planned EU free trade agreement with Mercosur countries. President Macron announced that France will not agree to the deal, citing risks to the agricultural sector. In Brussels, a qualified majority for signing is expected on Friday.
Ahead of the EU vote on the free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, farmers from France and Belgium have protested. In the evening, about 100 farmers blocked the A2 highway from Paris to Brussels and the A27 from Lille to Tournai at the border crossings with tractors, as reported by the newspaper «La Voix du Nord». Photos showed tractors on the lanes and two large fires beside the highway.
In Brussels, a meeting of EU representatives is set for Friday to agree on signing the deal. A qualified majority is expected, although countries like France, Poland, Hungary, Ireland, and Austria oppose it. However, they do not form a blocking minority.
President Emmanuel Macron stated: “In this context, France will vote against the signing of the agreement.” He pointed to the unanimous rejection in the French parliament and emphasized that the agreement is outdated and endangers the sensitive agricultural sector through cheap imports from South America. Negotiations began in 1999. Farmers in Germany also protested against the pact due to fears of disproportionate competition.