Farmers Across Europe Protest: Why Are They Angry?
Tens of thousands of farmers across Europe are taking to the streets, protesting against a range of issues from the European Union’s sustainability policies to the impact of the war in Ukraine. The protests, which have seen farmers blocking motorways and staging rallies, highlight concerns over the cost of living crisis, late payments of EU subsidies, and competition from imports.
In France, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal faced a crisis as farmers blocked roads, demanding action to address their grievances. Similar protests have erupted in Germany over the phasing out of tax breaks on agricultural diesel.
At the heart of farmers’ discontent is the EU’s revamp of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aimed at making agriculture more sustainable. However, many farmers argue that these measures make European agriculture less competitive against imports and reduce the value of their direct payments.
The situation has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which disrupted trade routes and flooded European markets with Ukrainian agricultural produce. This has led to further frustration among European farmers, particularly in Eastern European countries, where protests have intensified against cheap Ukrainian imports.
As the protests spread, there are concerns about the political implications, with Eurosceptic parties finding a voice among disgruntled farmers. However, experts stress that farmers are not extremists but are deeply concerned about their livelihoods and the future of European agriculture.
Governments and the EU are scrambling to address farmers’ concerns, with promises of dialogue and policy adjustments. However, for many farmers struggling to make ends meet, these efforts may not be enough to alleviate their frustrations.
Credit: Adapted from BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68095097