From Spain to Bulgaria, via the Netherlands, farmers’ demonstrations continue in several European countries, while the European Commission has eased up on a measure restricting phytosanitary products.
Despite the withdrawal on Tuesday by the European Commission of the project to halve pesticides by 2030the anger of farmers continues to rumble in several European countries.
In Spain Since Tuesday morning, farmers have held anti-tractor protests, blocking highways and causing traffic jams to demand changes in EU policies, funds and measures to combat rising production costs. The protests came as the agriculture ministry announced some 270 million euros in aid to 140,000 farmers to cope with drought conditions and problems caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Bulgarian farmers fueled their protests by moving their heavy agricultural vehicles from fields to major highways and border crossings, paralyzing traffic and worsening the country’s economic woes. The move came after farmers refused to accept the proposed government support, arguing that it was not enough to compensate them for losses due to the war in Ukraine, higher production costs, climatic conditions and the requirements of the Green Deal.
Monday evening, farmers The Netherlands blocked several roads and highways with their tractors and burned hay bales and tires. Police in the rural province of Gelderland said they had taken action against farmers blocking roads, but no arrests were immediately reported.
In Francewhere protests have reached large proportions, the government has promised more than 400 million euros in additional financial support, while elsewhere in Europe demonstrations continue.
