Europe's agricultural apocalypse? Tractors turn cities into a war zone

Massive farmer uprisings have erupted across France and Italy as thousands of farmers mobilise tractors, block roads, and clash with police to oppose the EU–Mercosur trade agreement. Protesters warn the deal will flood European markets with cheaper agricultural imports produced under lower food safety, environmental, and labour standards, putting domestic farmers out of business and threatening Europe’s reputation for high-quality food. From milk dumping in Milan to violent confrontations in Paris, farmers argue the agreement undermines climate goals, accelerates rural decline, and sacrifices European agriculture for geopolitical trade interests.