Dramatic images emerged from Brussels yesterday (18 December) as thousands of farmers converged on the Belgian capital with their tractors starting at 2:00 AM, and lit fires in front of the European Parliament. They were protesting the Mercosur agreement, which was being discussed at the Council of the European Union, bringing together the heads of EU member states. Mercosur is a free trade agreement that will further pit European farmers against Latin American agribusiness, which operates without regard for regulations and relies on vast industrial farms that devour forests.

Clashes outside Parliament continued for much of the day: potatoes and fireworks were thrown against tear gas and water cannons. Police charged the farmers, some of whom responded by driving their tractors towards the police lines. An EU building was targeted. At the end of the day, a forceful charge dispersed the protesters.

This anger is international: Greece has been paralysed since 30 November 30th by tens of thousands of farmers who are blocking roads, ports, and airports to demand the release of CAP subsidies. Serious clashes have occurred with the police.

In France, protests continue against the policy of culling livestock, but more generally to express the despair of a sacrificed profession. Numerous blockades severely disrupted traffic in the Southwest yesterday. Some farmers have vowed to continue the movement, including through the holidays.

Video: Contre-Attaque montage from Brut, Luc Auffret, Le Monde, local press