European farmers plan Brussels protest on 18 December

A large farmers’ protest against the European Union's agricultural policy will take place in Brussels on Thursday 18 December.

The European farmers’ umbrella organisation Copa-Cogeca, which is organising the demonstration, expects 10,000 participants.

“About 40 organisations from across Europe have already confirmed their participation,” Copa-Cogeca said in a statement.

“We expect 10,000 farmers to send a strong and united message to the European Commission.”

Copa-Cogeca said farmers had been issuing warnings since 2024 about, among other things, reforms of the CAP (common agricultural policy) and the EU budget, and about "unacceptable trade agreements" such as those with the South American trade bloc Mercosur.

“But now, at the end of 2025, expectations remain unfulfilled,” the organisation said.

Belgian farmers’ organisation Boerenbond will also be present at the demonstration with a delegation.

“We oppose excessive regulation that hinders agricultural initiatives, the reforms of the common agricultural policy and the EU budget, and unfair trade agreements such as Mercosur,” Boerenbond said.

The demonstration will take place during a meeting of European Union heads of state and government on the future EU budget, shortly before European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen leaves for Brazil to sign the Mercosur free trade agreement.