Poland stages protests against planned EU-Mercosur trade deal
Protest organizers say the agreement would allow agricultural imports from South America into the EU market under preferential terms, despite those products being produced under looser environmental and regulatory standards. They warn this would place Polish farmers at a competitive disadvantage and hasten the decline of family-owned farms.
The demonstrations, organized by the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest, took place on highways, expressways, national roads, and other strategic transport routes. Traffic disruptions were reported in central Poland, Pomerania, the Lodz and Opole regions, as well as in Warsaw. Additional protests were held in Lublin and Silesia.
Organizers stressed that not all actions involved full road blockades. “In many cases, farmers will simply line up along the main roads in their region,” protest representative Krzysztof Olejnik told RMF FM. Protest leaders also released a map of demonstration sites, with some reports estimating close to 200 protest points nationwide.
One of the most significant disruptions occurred on National Road 50 in the town of Wiskitki, where about 30 tractors blocked one of two lanes from 10:30 a.m., causing traffic delays near the A2 motorway exit. Police confirmed that traffic was diverted to the remaining open lane and that the protest was scheduled to continue until mid-afternoon.
Under the EU–Mercosur agreement, the EU would reduce tariffs on imports of beef, poultry, dairy products, sugar, and ethanol from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, while European industrial goods would gain broader access to South American markets.
Polish farmers argue the deal would expose them to unfair competition and weaken domestic agricultural production. In a social media statement, the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest said the demonstrations reflect “inaction, decision-making chaos, and a lack of real support from Polish politicians,” calling for meaningful dialogue and concrete safeguards for the farming sector.
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