Why the countryside protests again with tractor convoys: Mercosur is less worrying than the cut in the CAP
Farmers in Spain protest in Madrid against the EU-Mercosur trade deal and cuts in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
On Wednesday, hundreds of tractors and around 2,500 people took part in a protest in Madrid organized by agricultural unions to express their concerns over the pressures facing the farming industry. The demonstration, which saw the participation of up to 367 tractors, aimed to raise awareness about the impact of the European Union's trade agreement with Mercosur countries and the proposed cuts to the CAP, which could reduce financial aid by 22% from 2028 to 2034.
The root of the protest lies in two main issues: the EU's trade deal with Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and its potential effects on European farmers who fear being undersold by imports from these nations. After more than 27 years of negotiations, this agreement threatens to destabilize the agricultural market by introducing competition that could compromise the livelihood of local farmers.
Additionally, the farmers are voicing their discontent regarding the reform of the CAP, set to be implemented in the coming years. The proposed changes would see a significant reduction in subsidies, which are vital for sustaining agricultural productivity in Spain. This ongoing pressure has led to a resurgence of protests, highlighting the urgent need for policies that support rather than undermine the agricultural sector.