In photos: Farmers block roads in Brussels to protest South American free-trade deal
Farmers in tractors blocked roads, threw potatoes and eggs, and set off fireworks in Brussels on Wednesday outside a European Union leaders’ summit, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons as protesters rallied against a major free-trade deal with South American countries.
A protester walks next to burning tires on a square near the European Parliament, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal.Yves Herman/Reuters
Farmers in tractors blocked roads, threw potatoes and eggs, and set off fireworks in Brussels.Marius Burgelman/The Associated Press
Police officers walk next to the fire, as farmers protest on the day of a European Union leaders' summit, in Brussels.Yves Herman/Reuters
Smoke rises near the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg.NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images
Farmers protest free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur.Yves Herman/Reuters
A police officer uses pepper spray on a protester.Yves Herman/Reuters
Farmers fear the trade deal will undercut their livelihoods, and could also drive support for the far right.Yves Herman/Reuters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is determined to sign the agreement, but she needs the backing of at least two-thirds of EU nations.Marius Burgelman/The Associated Press
A man uses an object to smash a window of Station Europe, near the European Parliament.Yves Herman/Reuters
Thousands of farmers are also expected at twin rallies planned by farmers’ unions that are set to converge on Place Luxembourg, a stone’s throw from the European ParliamentMarius Burgelman/The Associated Press
A police officer tries to stop a protester in Brussels, Belgium.Yves Herman/Reuters
A protester wearing a gas mask moves among the smoke.Yves Herman/Reuters