Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland… Farmers’ anger is flaring up across Europe

French farmers continue their protest movement. And this phenomenon is slowly taking national level. There are still several highway blocks across the country, while manufacturers are threatening to block Paris with their tractors if the government does not act quickly to quell their anger. Like France, farmers in many European countries are also expressing their displeasure. They were also ahead of France in the Netherlands, Germany, Romania and Poland.

This anger varies by country but mainly concerns taxes on diesel, reductions in the use of pesticides or limits on nitrogen or greenhouse gas emissions… Christian Lambert, president of the Committee on Agricultural Sectors, the European Union’s professional body, says “Apathy» European farmers, from AFP. They have a feeling of “will be imposed» Measures that are too drastic, especially in terms of ecological transition, assures the former president of FNSEA, the first French agricultural union. While agrarian anger rises across Europe, Le Figaro Farmers of various nationalities take stock of the various causes that compel them to brandish their pitchforks on the streets.

in the Netherlands

Dutch farmers were the first to express their anger. From autumn 2019, following a radical proposal by a centre-left MP to halve livestock farming. The protest has not stopped since then. It got worse in June 2022 after the Minister’s announcement.Nature and Nitrogen» 70% – to drastically reduce nitrogen emissions, recalls Christophe de Voogde, professor and author of the Associated Science History of the Netherlands. From the Origins to the Present (Fayard, 2003)

, in our column. The decision by the Dutch state also follows a decision by the Supreme Court of the Netherlands on December 20, 2019, which ordered the government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% by 2020.

For several months, Dutch people have been blocking highways with their tractors and protesting in front of the houses of political leaders. Up-and-down Dutch flags have become symbols of their rebellion. And this discontent is also reflected in the elections. A youth party brings farmers together,”Peasant-citizen movement» (BBB), made a strong entry into the Senate in March 2023. It ultimately received fewer votes than expected during the November general elections.

in Germany

Since mid-January, German operators have been demonstrating and threatening to expand the movement. They oppose Olaf Scholz’s government’s plan to remove tax benefits on agricultural diesel. A criterion described as “Harmful to the climate“By the government. But actually, the latter “Cut your expenses» Refers to Alessandra Kirsch, director of studies at the agricultural strategy think tank, to complete its budget. Germany must actually save several billions in budgetary costs in order to comply with the order of the constitutional judges.

On January 15, around 5,000 tractors blocked the streets of Berlin and sounded their horns, police reported to AFP. A proposal to stall reforms until 2026 was not enough to quell the anger of German farmers. Even the promise of “simplifyBusiness in »Reduce bureaucracy ” Because, as in France and everywhere else in Europe, the operators “Administrative overload», explains Alessandra Kirsch. “Every year, they must complete a declaration, but it is not already filled out like a tax return. It takes them days and causes them stress because the demand is so high. And they don’t get paid much for all that.», the expert continues.

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In Romania and Poland…

In other countries bordering Romania, Poland, and Ukraine, such as Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria, producers essentially “unfair competition“They accuse Ukraine of lowering grain prices.”Since the Russian invasion, Ukrainian wheat no longer passes through the Black Sea and now goes by landAnalyzes Alessandra Kirsch. Ukrainian wheat, being very competitive in terms of prices, is therefore invading the silos of neighboring countries. which forces Polish and Romanian farmers to lower their prices.»

In Poland, for example, protests forced the Minister of Agriculture to resign in April 2023. Polish operators began blocking crossing points with Ukraine last November. The blockade was finally suspended on 6 January following an agreement with the government, which provided for subsidies. In Romania, farmers have been demonstrating since early January and do not intend to let up their pressure on the government.

…and soon Spain and Italy

This European movement of agricultural protest is contagious. According to Christian Lambert, President of the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organizations of the European Union, “Italian and Spanish agricultural unions also spoke of demonstrations“Their causes? Extreme climatic events of recent years, especially droughts.”Certain areas of these countries will no longer be arable», warns Alessandra Kirsch. Therefore, “The problem now is water management, while agriculture in these countries is mainly dependent on irrigation. Especially for market gardening», refers to an expert. However, it is “difficult» to imagine »New model, as water efficient as possible», she adds.

Why are European farmers revolting now?

“European farmers are generally fed up with the huge obstacles they face on a daily basis», deciphers Alessandra Kirsch. Beyond administrative overload, manufacturers oppose CAP budget cuts that “In 20 years there was a reduction of 90 billion euros», the expert recalls. “Authorizing the import of products treated with pesticides banned in Europe, or that do not respect animal welfare, such as animal overcrowding, also provokes disapproval and anger among farmers.», she adds.

In France, “For example there was no trigger for demonstrations in the Netherlands or Germany“, but”It is the accumulation of constraints that push producers to the limit

», estimate by Alessandra Kirsch.

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Environmental policies carried out by the European Union are also a factor that has fueled the anger of operators for many years. The Green Deal, introduced in 2019, so before Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, “The aim is to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment and decarbonise the sector», recalls the expert in agricultural economics. But these measures that seek, among other things, to reduce pesticide use or increase fallow land, lead toEssentially reducing agricultural productivity” This is why farmers are fighting against them and “Now ask not to be the only person affected by these policies», highlights Alessandra Kirsch.

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