Agricultural workers across Europe are expressing concerns about the impact of green policies and taxes on their profits, leading to protests in Romania, Germany, and France ahead of the upcoming EU elections in June. The farmers’ demands vary, but they generally center around the perceived negative effects of environmental reforms on their livelihoods and the need for increased government subsidies to counterbalance these challenges.
In Romania, farmers and truckers have been blocking main roads for over a week, demanding lower taxes, fairer subsidies, and addressing the rising insurance costs for heavy machinery. Despite ongoing protests, talks with the government have not yielded favorable results.
In Berlin, farmers joined forces with eco-activists, emphasizing their support for environmentally friendly and genetically unmodified farming. However, they stress the necessity of subsidies or fair prices for their products. Farmers in Germany have been protesting since December, initially triggered by the federal government’s decision to cancel longstanding farming subsidies and benefits. Although the government later softened the plans, tensions persist.
Southern France has also witnessed mass protests, prompting the government to address farmers’ concerns. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is set to meet with the president of the National Federation of Agricultural Operators’ Unions (FNSEA) to discuss these issues. Farmers in France have threatened to block motorways until their demands are heard, with the FNSEA considering nationwide action in the coming weeks.