A wave of protests affecting the entire Europe
The movement has spread from Germany to the Netherlands, France, Romania, and Poland. It is now reaching Spain, Italy, and Belgium. When the three main Spanish agricultural unions announced on Tuesday that they were joining the movement of angry farmers, it seemed definitive that this wave of protests had now reached the entire Europe. No one was surprised when the European Commission announced its first measures on Wednesday to try to contain or at least calm down these manifestations of exasperation.
Massive mobilizations in Germany
The first images of massive mobilizations came from Germany in mid-January, specifically in Berlin. The discontent then spread to Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bulgaria, and eventually reached Western Europe, primarily in France, Italy, Belgium, and now Spain.
Growing Insecurity
Farmers everywhere are experiencing growing insecurity and insufficient, sometimes undignified, incomes. The reasons for discontent vary from country to country, including the progressive removal of a diesel tax benefit in Germany, the increase in production costs, the trade repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine, and an overdose of environmental regulations dictated from Brussels.
“We’re walking on our heads”
These protests are happening against the backdrop of devastating climatic events such as summer droughts in some regions and winter floods. According to former Socialist MEP Eric Andrieu, European policies are not at the level of the challenges faced by farmers. He believes that the policies need to be reevaluated to help resolve this issue.
“Putting agriculture back on top of the list”
One positive point in this movement is that it makes people realize that being an agricultural power in France and Europe is a source of pride. Despite the adoption of the short-term measures, EU parliament member Irène Tolleret believes that this movement highlights the importance of agriculture in Europe.
Until the announcements on Wednesday calm the protests, several actions are planned at the European level, including blockades at the French-Belgian border and protests scheduled for Thursday outside the European Parliament in Brussels, where an extraordinary European Council meeting will take place.
