### Farmers Unite in Protest: A Pan-European Response to Trade Agreements In early January 2026, farmers across Europe, particularly in Greece and France, have mobilized in significant protests against the European Union's proposed trade agreements with South American nations, specifically the Mercosur bloc. These protests have manifested in mass blockades of major roads and highways, with farmers using tractors to disrupt traffic and draw attention to their grievances. The protests have been ongoing for over 50 days in Greece, while in France, farmers have taken to the streets of Paris, expressing their fears of unfair competition and economic hardship stemming from the trade deal. The situation has escalated as farmers demand government action to address rising production costs and protect their livelihoods from the influx of cheaper imports [https://wrp.org.uk/news/greek-farmers-are-staging-mass-motorway-blockades-as-well-as-blocking-customs-entry, https://www.nation.com.pk/09-jan-2026/farmers-enter-paris-tractors-rage-trade-deal]. ### Structure of the Protests and Key Issues 1. **Protests in Greece**: - Greek farmers have staged extensive blockades on motorways and customs entry points, utilizing thousands of tractors to halt traffic and disrupt trade [https://wrp.org.uk/news/greek-farmers-are-staging-mass-motorway-blockades-as-well-as-blocking-customs-entry]. - The protests are driven by demands for government support in light of rising production costs and opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which they believe will exacerbate their financial struggles [https://kstp.com/ap-top-news/farmers-block-highways-across-greece-in-protest-over-rising-costs-and-eu-trade-deal]. 2. **Protests in France**: - French farmers have driven tractors into Paris, blocking major landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, to voice their opposition to the Mercosur trade agreement [https://apnews.com/article/france-farmers-protest-mercosur-deal-paris-a1b0b7caff7ed163ddbbd43b3bf0306d]. - The protests are organized by the Rural Confederation union, which argues that the trade deal will lead to unfair competition from South American agricultural products [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-jan-2026/farmers-enter-paris-tractors-rage-trade-deal]. 3. **Government Response**: - In both countries, government officials have warned against the protests, labeling some actions as illegal, while also acknowledging the farmers' concerns [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-jan-2026/farmers-enter-paris-tractors-rage-trade-deal]. - French President Macron has indicated that France will vote against the Mercosur deal following the protests, highlighting the political implications of the farmers' actions [https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/macron-says-france-will-vote-against-mercosur-after-farmers-protest-in-paris-1850380.html]. ### Evidence of Impact and Public Sentiment - **Scale of Protests**: - In Greece, the protests have involved thousands of farmers and numerous tractors, effectively halting traffic on key routes for over 50 days [https://wrp.org.uk/news/greek-farmers-are-staging-mass-motorway-blockades-as-well-as-blocking-customs-entry]. - In France, approximately 100 tractors were reported to have entered Paris, with significant disruptions to traffic and public order [https://apnews.com/article/france-farmers-protest-mercosur-deal-paris-a1b0b7caff7ed163ddbbd43b3bf0306d]. - **Public Support**: - The protests have garnered attention and support from various sectors of society, reflecting widespread concern over the implications of the EU-Mercosur trade deal on local agriculture and food security [https://www.nation.com.pk/09-jan-2026/farmers-enter-paris-tractors-rage-trade-deal]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Action and Change The ongoing protests by farmers in Greece and France underscore a critical moment in European agricultural policy and trade relations. 1. **Key Findings**: - **Economic Concerns**: Farmers are facing rising production costs and fear that the EU-Mercosur trade deal will undermine their livelihoods by flooding the market with cheaper imports [https://kstp.com/ap-top-news/farmers-block-highways-across-greece-in-protest-over-rising-costs-and-eu-trade-deal]. - **Political Implications**: The protests have prompted political responses, with leaders like Macron indicating a shift in stance regarding the trade agreement [https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/macron-says-france-will-vote-against-mercosur-after-farmers-protest-in-paris-1850380.html]. 2. **Next Steps**: - Continued dialogue between farmers and government officials is essential to address the underlying issues and find a resolution that supports local agriculture while considering trade agreements [https://athens-times.com/farmers-prepare-for-meeting-with-mitsotakis-ongoing-blockades-and-roads-reopening-as-a-sign-of-goodwill]. The situation remains fluid, and the outcomes of these protests could significantly shape the future of agricultural policy in Europe.