Belgian farmers have started fires and blocked multiple roads along the French border as they vent their anger at European Union’s free trade deal with a bloc of South American nations.
Critics claim the Mercosur agreement will result in imports of agricultural products which fail to meet EU standards.
The farmers are from the predominantly French-speaking Wallonia in southern Belgium, which has a strong farming tradition, with many residents relying on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Farmers in the region argue that the deal, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, could flood the EU market with cheaper goods produced under less stringent environmental and labour regulations.
The protest started on Wednesday night and is expected to continue for 24 hours.
One farmer told the Belga News Agency: “In February, during the crisis, politicians made grand promises that they have largely failed to uphold.
“Now, they are poised to approve the Mercosur treaty, which we reject.”
Blockades have been reported on key routes, including the N89 at Bouillon near the French border and the E19 motorway at Hautrage, closing access to France via Hensies.
Disruptions are also occurring in Liège province, with blockades at the Liege-Bierset airport and closures on the E40 motorway towards Brussels near Welkenraedt.
Farmers also fear Mercosur, one of the largest free trade agreements negotiated by the EU, will mean competition from lower-cost South American agricultural imports, especially beef.
Environmentalists have also criticised the deal for its potential to exacerbate deforestation in the Amazon.
Protestors have vowed to maintain pressure on politicians to block the treaty, underscoring their determination to protect local farming standards and livelihoods.
