PARIS — 

Farmers are protesting across the European Union, saying they are facing rising costs and taxes, red tape, excessive environmental rules and competition from cheap food imports.

Protests have been ongoing for several weeks in various countries, such as France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Some problems are specific to certain countries, while others affect all of Europe. Here is a thorough examination of the issues that have sparked protests throughout the European Union and in individual countries.

Imports

Protests in eastern Europe have centered on allegations by farmers of unequal competition caused by a high influx of imports from Ukraine. The EU has removed quotas and tariffs for these imports since the invasion of Russia.

Farmers from Poland have been obstructing the flow of traffic at the border with Ukraine, leading to concerns from Kyiv that it is hindering their defense efforts and playing into Russia’s agenda.

In the meantime, farmers from Czech Republic have brought their tractors to the center of Prague, causing disturbance to the traffic near the ministry of agriculture.

The importation is causing frustration among farmers as they believe it is driving down prices in Europe and not adhering to the environmental regulations imposed on EU farmers.

New talks have been initiated in order to finalize a trade agreement between the European Union and the South American coalition Mercosur, which has sparked dissatisfaction over perceived unequal competition in the areas of sugar, grain, and meat.

Rules and bureaucracy

Farmers are concerned about the abundance of regulations, particularly at the EU level. The focus is on new EU subsidy regulations, such as the mandate to keep 4% of farmland unused for a certain period of time.

The French farmers also criticize bureaucracy, claiming that their government makes it more complicated through excessive regulations.

Farmers in Spain have expressed frustration with the burdensome regulations imposed by the European Union, which negatively impact the profitability of their crops.

Greek farmers are requesting increased subsidies and quicker compensation for crop damage and lost livestock caused by the floods in 2023.

have led to an increase in transportation expenses

The rise in diesel fuel prices has resulted in a rise in transportation costs.

Farmers in Germany and France, the top agricultural producers in the EU, have expressed opposition towards proposals to discontinue subsidies or tax exemptions for agricultural diesel. Greek farmers are advocating for a reduction in diesel taxes.

The primary focus of protests in mid-January in Romania was the expensive price of diesel fuel.

Income

Many producers in France are claiming that a government initiative to decrease food inflation has resulted in their inability to afford the high costs of energy, fertilizer, and transportation.

What actions are being taken by governments?

Last month, the European Commission suggested implementing an “emergency brake” to restrict imports of agricultural products from Ukraine, specifically poultry, eggs, and sugar. However, producers argue that the proposed volume is still excessive.

The EU farmers have been granted an exemption by the commission until 2024, allowing them to receive EU farm support payments without having to keep their land fallow. However, they must now cultivate crops without using pesticides.

The Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal, revealed plans that involve implementing checks to guarantee that imported food does not contain any forbidden pesticides in France or the European Union. There will also be discussions to negotiate better prices for farmers and reduce excessive bureaucracy and regulations.

Paris and Berlin have both yielded to the pressure and reversed their plans to eliminate subsidies or tax breaks on agricultural diesel. In Romania, the government has taken action to raise diesel subsidies, tackle insurance rates, and speed up subsidy payments.

The interim government in Portugal has declared a plan to provide 500 million euros ($541 million) in emergency aid, with 200 million euros ($217 million) specifically allocated for alleviating the effects of an ongoing drought.

The reasons behind farmer protests, broken down by country.

FRANCE

• EU red tape
• Diesel prices

• Require additional assistance to bolster earnings

• Access to irrigation
• in farming

  Concerns regarding the treatment of animals and the utilization of pesticides in agriculture.

POLAND

• has been growing

  Imports from Ukraine at a low cost have been increasing.

• EU regulation

CZECH REPUBLIC

• Bureaucracy
• Cheap imports
• EU farm policy

SPAIN

• “Excessive bureaucratic measures” created in Brussels that allegedly reduce the profitability of agricultural production.

• .

  Agreements that supposedly allow for affordable imported goods to enter the market.

PORTUGAL

• , and

  Lack of government assistance, reduction in financial support, and

• Red tape

ROMANIA

• Cost of diesel
• Insurance rates
• EU environmental regulations

• Inexpensive goods brought in from Ukraine

BELGIUM

• The EU requires 4% of land to be left fallow.

• Cheap imports

• Government assistance that benefits larger agricultural operations.

GREECE

• Requests for increased subsidies and expedited compensation for crop damage and loss of livestock caused by the 2023 floods.

• are a major concern for the working class

  The rising cost of diesel taxes and electricity bills is a significant issue for the laboring population.

• State and EU subsidies that are decreasing

Source: voanews.com