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Farmers in northeastern Spain blocked a highway with tractors this week to protest against the European Union’s “Green Deal” and soaring inflation. They have also blocked roads and sprayed government buildings with manure in several countries across Europe.
European farmers are displeased with the EU’s efforts to go climate-neutral and high inflation that has increased their costs. They have taken to the streets, blocked roads with tractors, set hay bales alight, and sprayed liquid manure at government buildings to show their anger.
Their grievances include the Green Deal and high inflation due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also oppose the EU’s free-trade agreements with other countries, arguing that it will allow foreign farmers to undercut their prices, leaving them at a disadvantage.
The EU has responded by scrapping plans to force farmers to halve their pesticide use by 2030 and has made other adjustments to nature-restoration policies. However, EU president Ursula von der Leyden is doubling down on plans to cut emissions, setting the stage for potential future clashes with the agricultural sector.
