EU softens green policies in face of latest tractor protests

Farmers flood Brussels' The European Quarter set fire to tires and hay bales for the third time in two months on Tuesday. Photo: KENZO TRIBUILLARD/AFP

EU member states agreed to scrap greener requirements under the bloc's Common Agricultural Policy in the application. to quell months of protests by farmers who drove hundreds of tractors to Brussels to express their discontent.

A select committee on Tuesday approved the review, which will be discussed at a meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels, as farmers overwhelmed the city's European quarter for the third time in two months, setting fire to tires and hay bales and throwing eggs at riot police.

As they arrived at Place Luxembourg, the historic square at the foot of the European Parliament, farmers began lighting bonfires.

A heavy police presence was observed after the latest protest in Brussels ended in violent clashes between farmers and security police public order, which used tear gas and water cannons to push back the demonstrators.

When they arrived at Place Luxembourg, at the foot of the European Parliament, farmers began lighting fires. Photo: Olivier Matthys/Shutterstock

“We have listened to our farmers and taken swift action to address their concerns at a time when they are facing multiple challenges,” said David Clarinval, deputy prime minister of Belgium, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU.

He said the review aims to cut red tape for farmers and give them greater flexibility in meeting environmental regulations, as well as «maintaining a high level of environmental ambition».

The committee backed the European Commission's proposal to change the set of environmental and climate standards determining whether farmers can receive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies.

Farmers protest in Brussels against price pressures, taxes and environmental regulations. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters

A key change involves giving leeway to farmers who fail to meet CAP requirements due to extreme weather conditions.

The revision completely removes the obligation to leave some arable land fallow — a measure aimed at protecting soils and promoting biodiversity but a major concern for farmers — but they will still have an incentive to do so.

Member states will have more flexibility in deciding which soils to protect at what time of year, and diversify and rotate crops.

It exempts small farms of less than 10 hectares (24.7 acres) from inspections and related fines. to comply with CAP.

A heavy police presence was established after the latest protest in Brussels ended in violent clashes. Yves Herman/Reuters

Farmers in EU countries from Belgium to France, Spain, Italy and Poland are staging mass protests over a long list of burdens that they say are reducing incomes.

Concessions are being made less than three months before pan-European elections to the European Parliament.

Polls predict the vote will lead to a surge in support for far-right parties that are using farmers' grievances as part of their election campaign.