Hundreds of tractors paralyze Brussels in farmers’ EU budget protest

Hundreds of tractors flooded the European Quarter in Brussels, turning Rue de la Loi, Luxembourg Square, and surrounding streets into a massive tractor parking area as part of a European farmers’ mobilization day.

The demonstrators sought to pressure EU heads of state, who are meeting at the summit to discuss the bloc’s future budget framework, RTBF reports.

The protest began shortly before 8 a.m., with the first honking tractors appearing around Luxembourg Square. The European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) had positioned part of its procession there and lit a brazier. While the morning remained largely peaceful, punctuated by firecrackers, some minor damage was reported to an electrical installation.

Tractors arriving from northern Belgium occupied Rue de la Loi up to the Maelbeek Bridge. Police erected barricades to block access to the Schuman roundabout, the heart of the European institutions, and deployed water cannons to maintain order.

By around 10:30 a.m., tensions escalated when some protesters began throwing potatoes at police, who responded with tear gas. Delegations on foot from across Europe had set off from the North Station area, the starting point of the procession, which was halted at the Petite Ceinture. As a result, the march did not reach Luxembourg Square as originally planned.

Luxembourg Square, including its central area, became the scene of prolonged clashes between police and protesters, some of whom were not immediately identifiable.

Later in the afternoon, approximately 400 tractors from Enghien, Ath, and Tournai departed Brussels with the stated intention of blocking the Brussels Ring at Hal, heading toward Hainaut.

The demonstration, organized by CEJA in coordination with national agricultural associations, highlights widespread concern among European farmers regarding cuts to EU agricultural subsidies and broader budgetary priorities that may affect the sector for years to come.

By Vafa Guliyeva