All articles tagged with #farmer protests
EU states have approved a historic free trade agreement with Mercosur after 25 years of negotiations, aiming to offset US tariffs and reduce reliance on China, despite opposition from France and protests from farmers. The deal will require European Parliament approval and includes safeguards for farmers and environmental concerns.
The EU has postponed its long-awaited free-trade agreement with Mercosur countries due to protests from farmers and opposition from France and Italy, highlighting tensions between economic interests and agricultural concerns, and raising questions about Europe's global trade credibility.
Farmer protests across Europe have led to the European Commission scrapping a plan to halve pesticide use and omitting the agricultural sector from strict greenhouse gas emission reduction timelines. The protests, driven by factors such as rising costs and falling sale prices, have prompted calls for more financial subsidies and investment support for farmers. The EU's re-assessment of its climate policies comes ahead of parliamentary elections and is expected to impact the implementation of the green new deal, with implications for the agriculture sector and carbon neutrality targets.
Delhi police are fortifying the city's borders in anticipation of protests by farmer groups, with intelligence alerts warning of potential unlawful congregations and attempts to enter the city. Security measures include roadblocks, mock drills, and orders prohibiting congregations in certain areas. The alerts suggest that protesters may attempt to gather at key locations and use various entry methods, potentially with support from opposition parties and unions. The mobilization is estimated to involve thousands of farmers and tractor-trollies, with rehearsals and outreach efforts conducted in multiple states. Concerns also include potential confrontations with police, disruptions to essential supplies, and impacts on law and order.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has withdrawn the contentious Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) aimed at reducing pesticide use in the EU, following fierce lobbying and protests from farmers. The decision marks a setback for the European Green Deal's environmental goals. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for a more sustainable farming model but faced criticism from environmental organizations, while receiving support from farming lobbies and some political leaders. The withdrawal of the pesticide law signals challenges in implementing ambitious environmental regulations in the agricultural sector.
European farmers have been protesting across the EU over concerns such as competition from cheaper imports, rising energy and fertiliser costs, and environmental rules, with some media outlets framing the protests as a "net-zero revolt." Analysis shows that many of the issues raised by farmers are directly or indirectly related to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and biodiversity, while others are not related at all. The protests have led to concessions from governments, such as the suspension of efforts to halve pesticide use in France, and have drawn attention from right-wing parties seeking to capitalize on public discontent with the impact of green transition policies.
Militant farmers across Europe, including Italy, Greece, Germany, and Switzerland, are protesting against EU agriculture policies, with tractors blocking motorways and disrupting traffic in key cities. The farmers are demanding better pay, conditions, and support, expressing anger at restrictive regulations and unfair competition. The movement has also affected countries like France, Belgium, Poland, Romania, and the Netherlands, prompting the European Commission to promise measures to address farmers' concerns ahead of European Parliament elections.
France is increasing pressure on the European Commission to address ongoing farmer protests, as farmers demand action to address issues such as low prices and production costs. The French government is seeking support from other EU member states to push for measures to improve the situation for farmers, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete solutions from Brussels.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is attempting to defuse escalating farmer protests by halting a planned increase in tractor fuel taxes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Meanwhile, France's opposition to the EU-Mercosur deal has been reinforced as the EU halted talks, and the country's top court has overturned a visa program for wealthy Britons, while former government ministers and their teams are in a state of uncertainty following their departure from the Borne government.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has offered key concessions to protesting farmers, including an end to rising fuel costs and simplification of regulations, in an effort to negotiate an end to growing demonstrations that have seen major roads into and out of Paris blocked. However, some farmers' unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the concessions, stating that they are insufficient. The protests, which have been ongoing for a week, are the first major test for Mr. Attal, who has only been in power since the start of the month.
Farmers across Europe, including in Germany, are protesting against proposed cuts to subsidies for fuel used in farming, causing travel chaos and disruptions. The protests, also seen in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, and Poland, are driven by concerns over rising costs, environmental reforms, and the impact of EU trade policy. While the sector acknowledges the need for environmental reform, it seeks more support to cope with growing expenses. The protests have also raised concerns about far-right influence and potential implications for EU climate goals.
Germany is facing major travel disruption as train drivers' strike and ongoing farmer protests add to the chaos, with tractors blocking roads and highways. The government's plans to repurpose pandemic funds and address the climate crisis have led to political tensions, with the economy minister facing protests and the agriculture sector pushing back against subsidy cuts. The situation, described as resembling a general strike, is causing concern ahead of crucial elections in the country.
Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey accused India of threatening to shut down the platform and raid employees' homes if it did not comply with government requests to restrict accounts critical of the government's handling of farmer protests. India's Deputy Minister for Information Technology called Dorsey's claims an "outright lie." The incident highlights the struggles faced by foreign technology giants operating under Modi's rule, who has often criticized them for not doing enough to tackle fake or "anti-India" content on their platforms.