Farmers toppled a Christmas tree in front of the European Parliament and placed a pile of burning tires and debris in its place, just a few steps from where EU leaders were debating key issues for the community on Thursday.
Some of the tractors were decorated with Christmas lights. Cheerful computer game tunes and pop hits rang out from them, but the police had difficulty controlling the more violent excesses in Place de Luxembourg. Thick smoke billowed throughout the European Quarterand the services used tear gas throughout the day to disperse the demonstrators.
Although only some of the protesters behaved aggressively, even calm participants did not spare bitter words against EU leaders. — We all take it for granted that food will simply keep producing. Farmers can't keep producing if it's causing them losses, said Alice Doyle, a cattle rancher and farmer from Wexford, Ireland.
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This literal explosion of discontent had been building for months. In the summer, the European Commission presented a new agricultural budget, with a different structure and lower guaranteed support for agriculture.
The Commission assures that the new amount is almost EUR 300 billion [ok. 1,26 mld zł] — this is a minimal level of spending, but farmers remain unconvinced. Agricultural organizations expected that growers and breeders from all 27 EU countries would come to Brussels to take part in the largest mobilization of farmers this century, which coincided with an important European Council summit.
In front of the barriers protecting the European Parliament, there were stacks of potatoes strewn about, which – according to Belgian media – were thrown towards policemen. When Polish farmers set off loud firecrackers in front of the European Parliament building, officials sent emails to staff advising them to stay away from windowswhile the police “take control of the situation”.
“We must protect them to ensure a decent life for our farmers”
The Commission's push to ratify the Mercosur agreement, which cattle and poultry farmers see as a threat to their farms, further inflamed the situation at the end of the year. When you add to this many years of complaints about Brussels bureaucracy, low incomes and internal national problems, no wonder thousands of farmers took to the streets of European capitals.
Farmers' protest in Brussels, December 18, 2025.Lucia Mackenzie / Politico
“I would like EU leaders to recognize agriculture as one of Europe's fundamental values,” said Maxime, a farmer wearing a T-shirt from the French farmers' association FNSEA. Before he could give his name, Place Luxembourg was enveloped in smoke as police fired tear gas.
— We must protect them to ensure a decent life for our farmers ensure that they do not have to face international competitionwhich does not follow the same rules, he added.
Farmers' protest in Brussels, December 18, 2025.Lucia Mackenzie / Politico
Copa-Cogeca, the EU's largest agricultural organization and the formal organizer of the protest, distanced itself from the riots in Luxembourg Squareemphasizing that their official assemblies were held in other parts of the European Quarter in a peaceful atmosphere.
— I don't know who they are or what drives them, but it's disappointing because it distracts attention from our cause and weakens the sense of our presence here said Doyle, who is also vice-chair of the Irish Farmers' Association, which is participating in the official protest.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
