Belgian farmers block roads to port, protesting over rising costs, EU environmental policies
Farmers protests in Belgium (Getty Images)
Farmers in Belgium blocked roads to Zeebrugge container port to disrupt the business, stopping trucks on five roads to the port, but allowing cars to pass. They oppose the increasing costs they face, as well as the environmental rules of the European Union (EU) and cheap food from other countries, according to AP News and Reuters.
The slow-moving protest has been going on for four days, during which a few hundred tractors have caused traffic problems for about 11.5 million people in the country.
Farmers protests in Belgium (Getty Images)
The General Farmers Syndicate union, known as ABS, is encouraging its members to join the protest. A representative from ABS, Mark Wulfrancke, notes that farmers are in a difficult situation and have been warning the government about this for years.
"We want respect from our government, the European government. The only way to show that respect is to make a policy that is farmer-friendly, and food-friendly. We need a correct price," he said.
Farmers protests in Belgium (Getty Images)
The farmers also plan to protest outside the EU headquarters during the upcoming meeting of government leaders.
"We are asking them to review their laws," said Nicolas Fryers, another protester. "They talk about being greener but if that happens then there will be land that isn't worked anymore and it's difficult enough as it is."
They want the government to consider the extra costs farmers face due to the rising environmental standards in Europe when setting food prices.
Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, is being very careful in dealing with protests. “It is important that we listen to them,” De Croo said. “They face gigantic challenges,” meaning adapting to climate change and resisting environmental pollution.
Belgium is currently leading the EU, and De Croo said he would talk about European agricultural rules with the European Commission.
In response to the protests, the European Commission is considering changes to policies, proposing an exemption to rules that require farmers to leave part of their land fallow when applying for EU subsidies.
Farmers protests in France
French farmers also threatened to block major roads leading to Paris as part of nationwide protests concerning the future of their industry. They aim to catch the government's attention to the impact of the Ukraine war crisis on their livelihoods. They argue that the farming sector in France is heavily subsidized but faces excessive regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and competition from countries with lower costs. The farmers demand the government to address these issues urgently.
