Traffic across Brussels ground to a near standstill on Thursday as thousands of farmers converged on the Belgian capital, staging a large-scale protest that coincided with a high-profile European Union summit.
Authorities warned residents to avoid travelling by car and to work from home where possible, as road closures, tunnel shutdowns and diverted public transport services caused widespread disruption across the city.
Organisers estimate that around 10,000 farmers from more than 40 agricultural groups, representing all EU Member States, are taking part in the demonstration. Protesters are denouncing EU agricultural policies and the controversial trade agreement with Mercosur countries.
In a joint statement, nine European agri-food organisations said the safeguards linked to the Mercosur deal were inadequate. They warned that the proposals fail to prevent market disruptions and do not ensure a level playing field for European farmers and food producers.
Farmers began gathering from 9 am near Brussels North Station before setting off on a planned march through the city. From 11 am, convoys of tractors and demonstrators moved towards Place du Luxembourg in the heart of the European quarter.
According to the City of Brussels, protesters are expected to remain at Place du Luxembourg from mid-afternoon until around 5 pm. The demonstration route has forced the closure of several major arteries throughout the day.
Roads affected include Boulevard Roi Albert II, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, Avenue des Arts, Rue de la Loi, Rue Belliard, Rue du Luxembourg and surrounding streets. Police later confirmed additional closures in the European quarter.
Several key tunnels were also shut on Thursday morning. In addition to the Reyers-Centre tunnel, the Trône tunnel, Annie Cordy, Rogier and Botanique tunnels were closed in specific directions, according to Brussels Mobility.
Despite earlier assurances from agricultural group Copa-Cogeca that no major blockades were planned, traffic authorities reported a blockade involving around 100 tractors on the Brussels ring road near Sint-Stevens-Woluwe.
Public transport services have also been heavily affected. Brussels transport operator STIB/MIVB said bus and tram lines crossing the protest route were experiencing delays and diversions throughout the day.
Access to Arts-Loi metro station was partially closed from late morning, while several entrances at Maelbeek station were shut around midday. Passengers were advised to check updates via official channels.
Multiple bus lines, including routes 12, 21, 27, 34, 64 and 95, were diverted due to the closure of Rue du Luxembourg and Place du Luxembourg. Tram lines 92 and 93 were also affected.
The farmers’ protest has compounded existing disruption linked to the ongoing EU summit, which runs until Friday. A strict security perimeter has been enforced around key EU institutions in Brussels.
Within the secured zone, traffic is prohibited except for authorised vehicles and residents with approved passes. Parking, deliveries, bicycles and outdoor seating are banned, and building windows must remain closed.
Several streets around the Schuman roundabout, Rue de la Loi and the Residence Palace are included in the safety zone. Police said the measures are necessary to ensure the security of visiting delegations.
While Schuman metro station remains open, multiple entrances have been closed during the summit. Some bus routes have also been diverted to avoid restricted areas in the European quarter.
Authorities warned that further delays and disruptions are likely until late afternoon, urging commuters to remain patient and informed. Real-time updates are being shared by police and Brussels Mobility.
As tractors roll through the capital and EU leaders meet behind security barriers, Brussels is facing one of its most disruptive days of the year, underscoring the growing tensions between European farmers and policymakers.
