European Farmers Escalate Protests Over Economic Pressures

French Prime Minister's Promised Aid Rejected as Insufficient, as Disruptions Threaten Commercial Trade and Food Supplies

Farmers across Europe, led by France, are protesting against low income, high costs, and excessive regulations, causing major disruptions including blockades of major highways and ports.
The protests are a response to economic shocks caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change pressures, and competition from cheap imports.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has promised emergency aid and stricter controls on imported food, but farmers have rejected these measures as insufficient.
Farmers are demanding fair competition, fewer constraints, lower costs, and protection against cheap imports.
The protests have spread to other European countries including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, and are threatening to disrupt commercial trade and food supplies.