1,000 tractors descend on Belgian capital as Ireland’s IFA president accuses Taoiseach of “backroom deal”
The signing of a trade deal between the EU and South American bloc Mercosur has been pushed back to January after thousands of farmers staged a massive protest outside a Brussels leaders’ summit yesterday.
Mercosur nations were notified of the delay by the European Commission after EU plans to seal the pact this week were blocked by France and Italy, which are demanding stronger protections for their agricultural sectors.
At least 7,000 farmers flooded Brussels, rolling approximately 1,000 honking tractors into the city as the deal dominated discussions at the European leaders’ gathering. Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman and his 11-year-old son were among protesters, alongside representatives from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).
Gorman said it was important for Irish farmers to “stand with our colleagues from across Europe to deliver a strong and united message.”
Speaking from Brussels, Gorman sharply criticized Taoiseach Micheál Martin for comments suggesting the government would factor in the recent EU Commission decision on the Nitrates derogation into its position on Mercosur. He called the linkage “totally unacceptable.”
“The Taoiseach must now clarify if he has done some backroom deal with Ursula von der Leyen to back Mercosur and to sell out Ireland’s beef and poultry farmers,” Gorman demanded.
“These are two separate and distinct issues,” Gorman said of the trade agreement and nitrates derogation. “For the Taoiseach to appear to link them is utterly unacceptable. There is a clear commitment on both issues in the Programme for Government.”
The IFA has argued that beef sector farmers will suffer most under Mercosur.
The EU-Mercosur deal would create the world’s largest free-trade area, helping the 27-nation bloc export more vehicles, machinery, wines, and spirits to Latin America amid global trade tensions.
However, Paris and Rome want more robust farmer protections, fearing they’ll be undercut by cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and neighbors. Farmers say the deal would facilitate entry of beef, sugar, rice, honey, and soybeans produced by less-regulated South American counterparts.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva initially reacted with a now-or-never ultimatum but opened the door to delaying the signature after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked for “patience,” indicating Rome would eventually sign.
French President Emmanuel Macron said after the summit it was “too soon” to say if Paris would back the deal next month, with fundamental text changes needed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared she was “confident” the bloc would approve the deal in January. “This evening, we have achieved a breakthrough to pave the way for a successful completion of the Mercosur agreement in January,” she said.
Key power Germany, along with Spain and Nordic countries, strongly support the pact, eager to boost exports as Europe grapples with Chinese competition and a tariff-focused White House administration.
Von der Leyen had hoped to win final approval from member states in time to fly to Brazil for a signing ceremony tomorrow. But with Paris, Rome, Hungary, and Poland in opposition, critics had enough European Council clout to shoot down the deal if put to a vote.
Italy and France want tougher safeguard clauses, tighter import controls, and more stringent standards for Mercosur producers.
Tensions boiled over outside the European Parliament yesterday, with protesters lighting fires, setting off fireworks, and hurling potatoes, bottles, and other objects at police who responded with tear gas and water cannon. Police charged several times to clear the area, with minor scuffles and at least a handful of arrests, an AFP reporter witnessed.
Farmers are also incensed at EU plans to overhaul the bloc’s huge farming subsidies, fearing reduced funding.
The delay to January provides more time for negotiations to address French and Italian concerns while maintaining momentum toward eventual approval sought by deal supporters.