Violence in Brussels on the day of the summit of EU leaders. The police intervene with tear gas and water cannons against the protesting farmers

Brussels is facing violent clashes between farmers from several countries protesting in the city center and law enforcement, on the very day EU leaders meet at the European Council.

Violent confrontations between farmers and law enforcement in Brussels. PHOTO: X/LucAuffret

On Thursday, December 18, Brussels, the city that hosts the meeting of European Union leaders within the European Council, is under the pressure of a large protest by farmers from several regions, a demonstration that seriously affects the circulation and normal functioning of the Belgian capital since the early hours of the morning.

Since sunrise, hundreds of tractors have been heading towards the city, causing major blockages on the main access routes, and in some areas traffic has been completely disrupted, leading to significant delays and traffic restrictions, especially on the Petite Ceinture ring road.

Tensions rose throughout the morning, especially near the Luxembourg square, where, according to the publication La Libre Belgique, the situation degenerated after some demonstrators threw various objects and lit fires at several points, prompting the intervention of the police, who used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Thousands of farmers are expected to participate in the protest to express their dissatisfaction with the common agricultural policy of the European Union, with the reductions provided in the CAP budget, but also with the draft free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states, as well as with the introduction of the tax for carbon emissions, which they consider an additional burden on the agricultural sector.

In this context, the authorities have instituted increased security measures, with numerous roads and tunnels in the capital being closed, while public transport is severely affected, with several bus lines being suspended or diverted.

The carrier issued a notice for travelers to expect significant delays throughout the day.

A large police presence is deployed around the European institutions, especially in front of the European Parliament, where several demonstrators throw potatoes in the direction of law enforcement.

According to preliminary information, a tractor managed to force a police barricade, an incident that contributed to the escalation of tensions and determined the strengthening of security measures in the area of ​​the European institutions.