Brussels scene of clashes as Farmers demand greater EU support
Belgian police struggled throughout Thursday to contain angry farmers protesting outside the European Parliament.
Tear gas was used to disperse crowds as tensions flared close to where EU leaders were meeting.
Inside, discussions were underway on a multi-billion euro support package for Ukraine.
Outside, farmers said EU leaders should be concentrating on urgent problems closer to home.
That's the point. They spend money everywhere with nobody understand what they do with the money, and in the same time, they bring pressure on production, on farmers.
Protester 01
They just need to go back a little bit and try to look to the real problem that the European people are facing.
Protester 02
At least 1000 tractors were driven into Brussels, causing widespread traffic disruption across the European quarter and beyond.
To be honest, I think the leaders don't care about our message, because six months ago, the problem began.
They don't care.
Protester 03
Farmers are strongly against the proposed Mercosur trade deal between the EU and several South American countries.
They argue the agreement would allow cheaper products into the European market, driving down prices and threatening livelihoods.
Protesters are also angered by European Commission plans to reform the bloc's agricultural subsidy system, known as CAP, fearing reduced financial support.
Because with no farmers, no food, no future. It's very important that everybody understands that so that's why we are so many here today.
Protester 04
Now the policy has changed, and the projects [sic] of this policy is to decrease the agricultural production.
Protester 05
For the time being, France and Italy have succeeded in delaying a vote on the Mercosur agreement, however, the deeply divisive issue is expected to return to the agenda in January.
The anger is not limited to farmers; across Europe, many groups believe EU leaders have their priorities all wrong.
They claim that the emphasis is now on developing a war economy, instead of protecting workers and supporting people who are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis.
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