Associated Press — Romania’s nighttime protests, marked by snow-covered tractors and bright national flags outside Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, have become a symbol of peasant protests across Europe.
The largest demonstrations were seen in France, where farmers blocked highways around Paris with tractors, but daily protests have spread across the European Union and highlighted deep-rooted discontent within the agricultural sector.
Gendarmes and armored vehicles confront a tractor on a blocked highway in Chilly-Mazarin, south of Paris, Thursday, February 1, 2024. On Wednesday, farmers blocked more traffic arteries in Belgium, France and Italy in an attempt to disrupt trade at major ports and other economic lifelines. Hundreds of angry farmers drove large tractors in convoys at a summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, demanding that EU leaders hear their complaints about excessive costs, rules and bureaucracy. I made my way towards the European Union headquarters. (AP Photo/Christoph Ena)
Gendarmes and armored vehicles confront a tractor on a blocked highway in Chilly-Mazarin, south of Paris, Thursday, February 1, 2024. On Wednesday, farmers blocked more traffic arteries in Belgium, France and Italy in an attempt to disrupt trade at major ports and other economic lifelines. Hundreds of angry farmers drove large tractors in convoys at a summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, demanding that EU leaders hear their complaints about excessive costs, rules and bureaucracy. I made my way towards the European Union headquarters. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A mannequin of a farmer is seen hanging next to a tractor on a blocked highway in Chilly-Mazarin, south of Paris, on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Protests have been taking place across the EU for much of the week, with hundreds of angry farmers driving large tractors arriving at the bloc’s headquarters to protest Thursday’s summit against excessive costs, rules and bureaucracy. They were eager to listen to complaints and get things fixed. in Brussels, Belgium. The poster reads: Paris, let our farmers overcome. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A tractor is parked near the European Parliament during a farmers’ protest as European leaders attend an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, February 1, 2024. European Union leaders will hold a one-day summit in Brussels to discuss the revision of the multiannual financial report. Framework for 2021-2027, including assistance to Ukraine. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
galway, ireland
Local farmers support our brave allies in Europe.＃Have it your way #no farmers no food
— Niall O’Hara (@ThoughtsToby) February 1, 2024
The movement, sparked by concerns about low wages, strict regulations and cheap imports, is calling for action from farmers in Spain, Italy, Germany, Romania and Greece.
Convoys of tractors marched menacingly across residential streets in Poland and across bridges in Germany, while agricultural protesters in Italy lit spectacular fires with stone statues at night.
A convoy of hundreds of angry farmers driving large tractors caused chaos in front of the European Union headquarters on Thursday, demanding relief from EU leaders from rising prices and red tape.
This was a dramatic development, causing confusion and bringing the demands of disaffected farmers directly to the heart of EU policy-making.
Meanwhile, traffic barricades were erected on motorways around Paris amid a heavy police presence as French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced measures to quell the riots.
A tractor is parked near the European Parliament during a farmers’ protest as European leaders attend an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, February 1, 2024. European Union leaders will hold a one-day summit in Brussels to discuss the revision of the multiannual financial report. Framework for 2021-2027, including assistance to Ukraine. (AP Photo/Gert Vanden Weingart)
Protesting farmers with tractors approach an agricultural fair during a rally in the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki, Thursday, February 1, 2024. Greek farmers, hit by rising costs and crop damage from recent floods and wildfires, are blocking highways and demanding more tax cuts and subsidies. (AP Photo/Yannis Papanikos)
Protesting farmers with tractors rally outside an agricultural fair in the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Greek farmers are facing rising costs and crop damage from recent floods and wildfires. He threatened to block highways to demand lower taxes and higher subsidies. (AP Photo/Yannis Papanikos)
A pedestrian passes a tractor parked near the European Parliament during a farmers’ protest as European leaders meet for the EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, February 1, 2024. European Union leaders will hold a one-day summit in Brussels to discuss changes to the agreement. Multi-annual financial framework for 2021-2027, including assistance to Ukraine. The words “Rest in Peace, Farmers” are written on the fake coffin in French. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Farmers gather on parked tractors near a highway junction in Melegnano, near Milan, Italy, Thursday, February 1, 2024. Farmers in Italy and other parts of Europe are protesting against the EU’s agricultural policies. (AP Photo/Antonio Caranni)
Tractors line up on a blocked highway in Argenteuil, north of Paris, Thursday, February 1, 2024. France’s two biggest farmers’ unions decided on Thursday to call off protests and lift road blockades across the country, in a dramatic development just days after the French prime minister announced a series of new measures deemed “tangible progress”. announced. Farmers have been protesting across the country for several days to denounce low wages, strict regulations and unfair competition from abroad. (AP Photo/Michelle Euler)
Farmers drive a tractor in Milan, Italy, Thursday, February 1, 2024. Farmers in Italy and other parts of Europe are protesting against EU agricultural policies. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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