Burning tires, fences and water cannons. Thousands of farmers on the streets of Brussels

Ashley Davis18/12/2025

0 111 2 minutes read

On Thursday in Brussels, where the European Union summit is held, among others: against the EU's agricultural policy and the trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. In the afternoon, the protest intensified, farmers' representatives set fire to a large pile of tires, and there were clashes with the police. The police used water cannons and potatoes, bottles and other objects flew towards the officers. The most aggressive protesters were detained.

How many people are taking part in the protest?

Why are farmers protesting?

What security measures did the police take?

What disruptions to communication does the protest cause?

Flags of Poland and the agricultural “Solidarity” movement can also be seen in the crowd of protesters.

Farmers' protest in Brussels

Due to the demonstrations, traffic in the Belgian capital is seriously disrupted. Local media estimate that about 10,000 people are taking part in the protest. farmers from over 40 organizations from all EU Member States.

There are tractors on the streets of the European Quarter and more police than usual during European Council meetings. Fences have been erected around Rondo Schuman, where the headquarters of EU institutions are located. Barbed wire and barriers can also be seen near Place de Luxembourg, where the European Parliament is located.

The police used water cannons against some protesters.

Some farmers have been in the European district since the morning hours, where they parked their tractors overnight. Due to the demonstration, numerous streets in the center of Brussels are closed throughout the day.

According to the Brussels Times, the demonstration causes disruptions in public transport. Some entrances to metro stations have been closed, and many bus and tram lines are experiencing delays or diversions. Local authorities are asking residents to avoid traveling by car.

Agreement with Mercosur countries on Saturday?

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, met before the start of the EU summit with representatives of COPA COGECA, the European organization of agricultural trade unions and cooperative organizations.

Von der Leyen wants to formally sign the agreement on Saturday between the EU and the Mercosur countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay. The protest is the second demonstration by farmers in the Belgian capital in the last few years. Previously, they protested, among others: against, in their opinion, excessive bureaucracy imposed by Brussels, as well as the provisions of the European Green Deal.