- Hundreds of tractors blocked roads in downtown Prague on Monday in a farmers’ protest against the European Union’s agricultural policies.
- Similar protests against EU policies have occurred across the EU in recent weeks.
- The European Commission made several concessions, including shelving plans to halve pesticide use.
Hundreds of tractors blocked lanes in downtown Prague on Monday during farmers’ protests over European Union agricultural policies and unfair practices.
The main organizations representing Czech farmers did not participate and distanced themselves from the rally after it emerged that some organizers were behind the recent pro-Russian demonstrations.
Traffic was not stopped, but city hall warned people not to drive into Prague on Monday.
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The protesters had planned to hand-deliver a letter to Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny with their demands. They are particularly targeting the EU’s Green Deal, which calls for limits on chemical use and greenhouse gas emissions, and want the country to withdraw from the deal. Some called for the government’s resignation.
Farmers with tractors stand on the street in the center of the Czech capital during a demonstration in Prague on February 19, 2024. (Ondrej Deml/CTK via AP)
Other farmers’ groups said they were planning separate demonstrations Thursday with participants from neighboring and other countries.
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Similar protests have occurred across the bloc in recent weeks. Farmers complain that the 27-nation EU’s environmental policies and other issues are a financial burden, making their produce more expensive than imports from outside the EU.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, has made several concessions in recent weeks, including shelving plans to halve the use of pesticides and other hazardous substances. Nevertheless, protests grew.
