Farmers' protests spread, tensions rise across EU

The French government is struggling to calm angry farmers who have vowed to escalate protests, including road blockades, over working conditions that have inspired similar actions in other countries within the European Union.

The farmers say they are fighting for better remuneration for their produce, pushing for less red tape and regulation around green measures, and calling for protection against cheap imports.

In the Paris region, farmers promised to "besiege" the capital with their tractors, and protests have spread across the country, stepping up pressure on the government, reported Agence France-Presse.

To prevent protesters from entering the capital, the government has deployed 15,000 police officers across the Paris region, and armored vehicles have been stationed at the city's key Rungis wholesale food market.

France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said police officers would defend strategic spots.

"They can't attack police, they can't enter Rungis, they can't enter the Paris airports or the center of Paris," Darmanin told France 2 television. "But let me tell you again that if they try, we will be there."

In Brussels, rows of tractors have been parked, flanked by police cars, close to the European Parliament. In recent days, protests have also taken place in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania, and farmers in Spain have said they will join the movement.

The French government is increasingly blaming EU rules for the rising discontent over farmers' falling incomes, and the matter will be discussed between officials attending an EU leaders' summit in Brussels on Thursday.

The European Commission stated at a news conference on Wednesday that it is recommending EU leaders delay the introduction of rules that require farmers to keep a certain amount of land fallow or non-productive.

Speaking at the National Assembly on Tuesday, France's Prime Minister Gabriel Attal sought to appease the farmers, proposing controls to guarantee fair competition.

"We need to listen to the farmers, who are working and are worried about their future and their livelihood," Attal said.

Measures to placate farmers so far proposed have included "drastically simplifying" certain technical procedures and the progressive end to diesel fuel taxes for farm vehicles.

Attal said that France would remain opposed to the EU signing a free-trade deal with the South American Mercosur trade alliance after French farmers denounced what they called unfair competition from countries in that region.

France's two major farmers' unions have said the government's concessions have not gone far enough, and they have vowed to continue their demonstrations.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he wants the EU to allow flexibility on some of the bloc's farming rules, and he is expected to discuss the issue with European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen at the Brussels summit.

Europe's heavily subsidized agricultural sector has emerged as a significant concern leading up to the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, reported AP.

Populist and far-right parties are aiming to gain support from rural communities by capitalizing on their frustrations with free trade agreements and excessive cost-of-living burdens.