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Polish farmers protest against EU-Mercosur trade deal
(MENAFN) Farmers across Poland staged widespread demonstrations on Tuesday at more than 160 locations to protest the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which they say poses serious risks to the country’s agricultural sector, rural communities, and national food security.
Organizers argue that the deal would open European markets to South American agricultural products produced under lower environmental and regulatory standards, potentially undercutting Polish farmers and accelerating the decline of family-run farms.
The protests, coordinated by the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest, took place on highways, expressways, national roads, and key transport hubs. Traffic disruptions were reported in central Poland, Pomerania, Lodz, Opole, Warsaw, Lublin, and Silesia. While some locations involved full road blockades, many participants simply lined the main roads in their regions. A map published by protest leaders indicated that demonstration sites approached 200 nationwide.
One of the largest disruptions occurred on National Road 50 near Wiskitki, where roughly 30 tractors blocked a lane for several hours, causing delays near the A2 motorway exit. A police spokesperson confirmed, “The protest began as announced and will last until 3.00 pm. There are currently around 30 tractors on National Road No. 50. One lane is blocked and traffic is moving through the other.”
The EU-Mercosur agreement would grant preferential tariffs on imports of beef, poultry, dairy, sugar, and ethanol from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, while opening South American markets to European industrial goods. Polish farmers argue this could expose them to unfair competition and undermine domestic production. The National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest criticized governmental inaction, calling for dialogue and guarantees for the sector.
Originally expected to be signed in December 2025, the agreement has been postponed to January 2026. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed skepticism, suggesting the delay allows the European Commission to consider safeguards. Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki urged efforts within the EU to form a blocking minority against the deal.
Organizers argue that the deal would open European markets to South American agricultural products produced under lower environmental and regulatory standards, potentially undercutting Polish farmers and accelerating the decline of family-run farms.
The protests, coordinated by the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest, took place on highways, expressways, national roads, and key transport hubs. Traffic disruptions were reported in central Poland, Pomerania, Lodz, Opole, Warsaw, Lublin, and Silesia. While some locations involved full road blockades, many participants simply lined the main roads in their regions. A map published by protest leaders indicated that demonstration sites approached 200 nationwide.
One of the largest disruptions occurred on National Road 50 near Wiskitki, where roughly 30 tractors blocked a lane for several hours, causing delays near the A2 motorway exit. A police spokesperson confirmed, “The protest began as announced and will last until 3.00 pm. There are currently around 30 tractors on National Road No. 50. One lane is blocked and traffic is moving through the other.”
The EU-Mercosur agreement would grant preferential tariffs on imports of beef, poultry, dairy, sugar, and ethanol from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, while opening South American markets to European industrial goods. Polish farmers argue this could expose them to unfair competition and undermine domestic production. The National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest criticized governmental inaction, calling for dialogue and guarantees for the sector.
Originally expected to be signed in December 2025, the agreement has been postponed to January 2026. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed skepticism, suggesting the delay allows the European Commission to consider safeguards. Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki urged efforts within the EU to form a blocking minority against the deal.
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