Farmers hurl eggs and stones at the European Parliament protesting taxes, rising costs amid summit

Farmers protested outside the European Parliament in Brussels by throwing eggs and stones, starting fires, and setting off fireworks. The protest aimed to draw attention to their grievances regarding taxes and rising costs. Demonstrators tried to dismantle barriers near the parliament, but police used water hoses and tear gas to control the situation. A statue in the protest area was damaged. About 1,300 tractors blocked major roads in Brussels, disrupting traffic. The farmers expressed dissatisfaction with low payments, high taxes, and environmental regulations, claiming unfair competition from foreign counterparts. The protest occurred during a summit of European Union leaders, with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo planning to address the farmers’ concerns as a late addition to the agenda, initially focused on providing aid to Ukraine.

Source – CGTN