Thousands of European farmers brought Brussels to a standstill on Thursday as tractors rolled into the city streets and demonstrators clashed with police outside an EU summit. The protest targeted a proposed free-trade agreement with South American countries, known as the Mercosur deal.

Demonstrators from all 27 EU member states blocked streets, hurling produce and confronting police officers using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The aggressive demonstrations highlighted deep-seated opposition among farmers who fear the agreement will expose them to cheaper imports of beef and soy with lower environmental and production standards, potentially undermining local prices and sustainability efforts.

Negotiated since 1999, the Mercosur agreement seeks to eliminate tariffs on approximately 91 percent of EU exports to South America’s 450 million consumers. While proponents argue that it will boost trade and create economic opportunities, the backlash from farmers underscores the tensions between global trade liberalization and protecting domestic agricultural interests.

EU officials face mounting pressure to balance the potential economic benefits of the trade pact with the concerns of local farmers, who argue that the deal could threaten both livelihoods and environmental protections. The Brussels protests mark one of the most visible displays of opposition to Mercosur in decades, signaling that ratification may face significant political hurdles.

Observers note that the demonstration reflects broader European anxieties over trade agreements that may favor international markets at the expense of domestic producers. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations could influence EU agricultural policy and trade relations with South America for years to come.