An estimated 10,000 farmers from across the European Union are expected to descend on Brussels on Thursday for a large-scale protest against EU agricultural policy. The demonstration will coincide with a high-stakes European Council summit taking place in the Belgian capital.
The protest, scheduled for Thursday the 18th, marks the first major farmers’ mobilisation in Brussels since the vast demonstration held in June 2024. This time, organisers say farmers from all 27 EU Member States will be represented.
According to Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella organisation representing European farmers and agricultural cooperatives, the scale and unity of the protest make it unprecedented. Around 40 agricultural organisations have confirmed their participation.
“This is the first time farmers from all Member States will be present at a protest. It is historic,” said Maëlle Mabecque, spokesperson for Copa-Cogeca, speaking to The Brussels Times. “They all fear that decisions by the European Commission will put unbearable pressure on the sector.”
At the heart of the protest are deep concerns over the future direction of EU agricultural policy. Farmers argue that current proposals risk undermining the economic viability of farming across Europe.
The first major grievance relates to the European Commission’s post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposals. Protesters have labelled the plans “unacceptable,” arguing they lack sufficient funding and fail to maintain a truly common framework.
Farmers fear that reduced budgets and increased national flexibility could fragment agricultural policy across the bloc. According to organisers, this would place uneven pressure on farmers, particularly smaller and family-run operations.
The second major issue driving the protest is the EU’s ongoing pursuit of a free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Farmers say the deal would place European producers at a severe disadvantage.
Copa-Cogeca has repeatedly warned that agricultural imports produced under lower environmental and social standards could undercut European farmers. Protesters argue that the agreement risks hollowing out domestic production.
“The Mercosur deal would be a historic mistake,” Mabecque said. “Agriculture and food security are cornerstones of European security and sovereignty.”
Farmers also fear that increased imports of beef, poultry and other agricultural products could destabilise markets. Consumer trust, they argue, could be weakened if standards are perceived to be compromised.
The third pillar of the protest focuses on regulation. Farmers are calling for simplification, greater legal certainty and clearer rules governing their work.
Many argue that administrative burdens have grown steadily in recent years. Compliance with environmental, animal welfare and reporting requirements, they say, has become increasingly complex and costly.
Organisers stress that farmers are not opposed to sustainability goals. Instead, they are demanding realistic timelines, workable rules and policies that recognise economic realities on the ground.
Unlike previous demonstrations that brought Brussels to a standstill, this protest is being framed as more restrained. Organisers insist there is no intention to block the city or major transport routes.
“There is no plan to put up blockades at the Brussels Ring Road or to block traffic in Belgium,” Mabecque said. “We are not trying to block anything, we just want to be heard.”
Some farmers will still bring tractors into the EU quarter, but the main focus of the demonstration will be a large march through central Brussels towards the European Parliament.
The protest is carefully timed. It will take place just hours before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to fly to Brazil for talks related to the Mercosur agreement.
It also coincides with a crucial European Council meeting in Brussels. EU leaders will discuss the next multi-annual budget framework, alongside Ukraine, enlargement, the Middle East, defence and migration.
The convergence of the summit and the protest has prompted authorities to warn of significant disruption. A wide security perimeter will be in place around EU institutions for several days.
Farmers are expected to gather from 9am at Boulevard Roi Albert II, near Brussels North Station. From 11am, they will march via Botanique and Rue de la Loi towards Place du Luxembourg.
The procession is expected to reach the European Quarter around 2:30pm. Organisers say the demonstration will conclude at approximately 5pm.
In addition to street closures along the route, several tunnels on major access roads into the city will also be closed. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the area if possible.
Public transport will also be affected. While Schuman metro station will remain open during the summit, multiple entrances will be closed at different times from 17 to 19 December.
Bus routes including lines 59, 60, 80, 27 and 36 will be diverted around key locations such as Place Jourdan and Rue Froissart. Passengers have been advised to check updates in advance.
A formal “safety zone” around EU buildings will be enforced throughout the summit period. Only residents, workers and accredited personnel will be allowed to enter with valid passes and identification.
Access for deliveries will be suspended in several streets, and a parking ban will be enforced above ground. Garbage bags, bicycles and terraces are also prohibited within the zone.
Security measures will extend to buildings within the perimeter. Windows must remain closed, and access points will be strictly controlled by police.
The only vehicles permitted inside the zone will be emergency services, police, accredited official delegations and authorised vehicles entering via designated routes.
Despite the disruption, organisers insist the protest is about dialogue rather than confrontation. They say farmers feel increasingly marginalised in EU decision-making.
“This is about the future of European farming,” Mabecque said. “If policymakers do not listen now, the consequences will be felt across rural communities and food systems.”
As Brussels braces for another week of heightened security and political tension, Thursday’s march is set to underline the growing unease among Europe’s farmers — and their determination to make their voices heard at the heart of the EU.
