Overview
- About 8,000 protesters with roughly 1,000 tractors converged on the EU quarter during the European Council meeting, according to Belgian police.
- The mobilization targeted the EU–Mercosur trade agreement over fears of unfair competition and included broader grievances about burdensome rules and proposed EU budget cuts to agriculture of over one fifth.
- Copa-Cogeca led the march with national groups such as Coldiretti and Cia as tractors blocked streets around EU institutions and fires were set near Parliament.
- Clashes erupted near Place du Luxembourg, with police deploying water cannon and tear gas, property damage reported, and at least one injury during dispersal.
- Day one ended without a deal, Italy said it will sign only after concrete answers to farmers, France remained cautious, EU leaders met Copa-Cogeca and called the talks productive, and Brazil’s Lula said Giorgia Meloni told him she is not opposed but politically constrained.