Video: watson/Lucas Zollinger
December 19, 2025, 4:38 p.mDecember 19, 2025, 5:05 p.m
Belgium is known for its fries. In the capital Brussels, chip shops can be found on every corner. And at the moment the potatoes are literally lying on the street. This led to real traffic chaos, as videos show:
Video: watson/Lucas Zollinger
The cause of the unusual sight was the violent farmers’ protests that have taken place in Brussels’ European Quarter in the city center in recent days. These were directed against a free trade agreement planned by the EU with the South American Mercosur states. The name is the abbreviated name for the “Mercado Común del Sur”, the common market of the south. Members include Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
In total, the new free trade zone would have around 700 million inhabitants – according to the EU, that would be the largest of its kind.
European agriculture fears unfair competition
According to various reports, between 7,000 and 10,000 farmers demonstrated against the agreement. They fear disproportionate competition from cheap imports that could result.
According to security forces, some demonstrators tried to overcome barriers that had been set up. Fires are also said to have been set, pyrotechnics ignited and tear gas used. The attacks were also directed against the European Parliament. The employees were relocated to other buildings for safety reasons. One person was injured during the protests.
Wild scenes in Brussels.Image: keystone
It could be tight for the agreement
The signing of the agreement is scheduled for Saturday and will take place in Brazil. But it is controversial within the EU. Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries support it, while France, Poland and Austria express reservations. It was still unclear until recently whether the required majority of 15 EU states would be achieved. A decision was expected at the EU summit.
Ursula von der Leyen at the EU summit on December 18th. Image: keystone
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also met with farmers’ representatives in Brussels to appease. Their message to them was that Europe would always have their back: “In times of uncertainty, our farmers need reliability and support.”
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