Protesting farmers break through the security barrier of European institutions in Brussels

Farmers demonstrating in Brussels this Monday broke one of the European institutions’ security barriers set up by the police and clashed with authorities, who used pepper spray to disperse the protesters.

At around 10am (Lisbon time), protesters broke down one of the security barriers between the European Parliament and the European Commission, trying to get as close as possible to the Community Executive’s installations with their tractors.

Farmers approached the European Council building and were involved in clashes with police, who used pepper spray to force them to retreat.

Hundreds of farmers blocked the main access points to the European Commission in Brussels early this morning, demanding concrete support to overcome the difficulties they face.

At 8:30 a.m., hundreds of tractors blocked access to the Schumann roundabout, located just meters from the European Commission and Council buildings, and occupied the entire Rue de la Loie, one of the main and busiest streets in the Belgian capital.

A security perimeter set up by the police prevented farmers from advancing towards the roundabout.

Police do not allow journalists access to demonstration observation premises and Commission buildings, even if they are properly accredited.

Access to Brussels airport was also restricted due to the demonstrations. On X (formerly Twitter), the airport shared updates about the situation.

The scenario in front of the European Parliament on February 1 is repeated this Monday in front of the place where Ursula von der Leyen’s chief executive makes decisions.

With slogans and horns echoing through the streets, they demonstrate dissatisfaction with the decisions of the head of the community.

One requirement is the lack of specific support, for example, to accompany Brussels’ environmental ambitions.

European Union (EU) agriculture ministers will meet this Monday in Brussels to review measures to help farmers.