Violent clashes erupted in Brussels on Thursday as thousands of farmers descended on the EU quarter, blocking roads with tractors and confronting riot police near the European Parliament amid growing anger over trade policy and agricultural reforms.
The protest began as a mass demonstration against proposed changes to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and a long-delayed free-trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, but quickly escalated into chaos.
Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke from burning tyres and hay filling nearby streets as tractors pushed through police barriers, bringing parts of the city to a standstill. Protesters smashed windows near parliament buildings and threw rocks, potatoes and other objects at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Tractors have SMASHED through police barricades, farmers are wearing gas masks in preparation for tear gas, and buildings are being smashed pic.twitter.com/pOTPizTuU0
— Celestial Gaze (@Mytruthsbetold1) December 18, 2025
Police were seen charging demonstrators, with at least one protester knocked to the ground during efforts to clear the area. Belgian authorities said the protest had been authorised for a limited number of tractors, but by early afternoon around 1,000 vehicles had entered the capital, with police estimating about 7,000 protesters in total.
War breaks out outside EU headquarters in Brussels. European farmers want Ursula von der Leyen and EU politicians. European farmers are no joke. pic.twitter.com/M6alrrnLLn
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) December 18, 2025
The demonstration coincided with an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, where the Mercosur trade deal was again under discussion. Farmers across Belgium, France and other EU countries fear the agreement would allow cheaper South American imports to undercut European producers who face stricter environmental and animal welfare rules.
Farmers vs. Police in Brussels, Belgium.
Farmers used their tractors to break through the police barriers outside the EU headquarters in Brussels, spraying feed at police officers, who respond with water cannons. pic.twitter.com/uskh5UW2fJ
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 26, 2024
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal would not be signed this weekend and has been delayed until next month, though critics warn the pause may be temporary rather than a reversal.
What? The producers fending off parasites? How dare they?