European farmers protest against environmental restrictions and the "Green Deal" conflict

European farmers protest against environmental restrictions and the "Green Deal" conflict

Roadsides and the entrances to European capitals are plastered with images of farmers and agricultural machinery blocking traffic, creating a scene reminiscent of a widespread rural uprising. These protests, which have spread to France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and other countries, are not merely a passing outburst of anger, but a stark warning that the European Green Deal and trade challenges are placing unbearable pressure on the agricultural sector, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of rural families. An objective analysis of the protests reveals that farmers are feeling the strain from multiple directions. First, the environmental restrictions imposed by the European Union (such as limiting herbicide use and reducing carbon emissions from livestock). While these are promoted as essential for the planet, farmers see them as effectively reducing their productivity and increasing production costs, making them uncompetitive with imported products that do not adhere to the same …