Vantage | What links Europe's farmer protests to those India saw?

In recent months, Europe has been rocked by a wave of farmer protests with agricultural workers across the continent taking to the streets to voice their grievances. What began as isolated demonstrations in Poland has now spread like wildfire, engulfing countries such as France, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Italy and Portugal. These protests, marked by road blockades, overturned trucks, burning produce and clashes with authorities, have plunged the European Union into chaos and raised urgent questions about the future of farming in the region.

Origins of the protest The roots of the protests lie in the profound challenges facing European farmers. Rising debts, competition from cheap imports, price pressures, the impacts of climate change and heavy EU regulations have created a perfect storm of hardship for those working the land. Strict laws imposed by the EU make farming in Europe more expensive, while farmers must contend with the influx of low-cost imports, particularly from countries like Ukraine, which flood European markets and undercut local producers. “We took to the streets to protest against Europe and the new laws it is making. Agriculture has already been on its knees for a long time, and we took to the streets because we have reached the end of our rope,” said farmer Cristian Belloni. Across Europe, farmers have voiced their frustration and desperation. In France, Matteo Legrand, a 22-year-old farmer, declared, “Today, the profession can no longer survive, it is being strangled.” Similar sentiments echoed in Germany, where thousands braved freezing temperatures to blockade airports, and in Greece, where farmers dumped their produce in protest. “The import in Belgium and Europe is from outside the rules and outside of Europe are too easy. It’s too difficult for us to farm normally on the daily basis. It’s too difficult for us. We ask, easier rules,” said protester and farmer from just outside Brussels, Kilian Van Meerbeek. Italian farmer Cristian Belloni said: “We took to the streets to protest against Europe and the new laws it is making. Agriculture has already been on its knees for a long time, and we took to the streets because we have reached the end of our rope.” A farmer from Greece Andonis Samanaras said, “We are demanding a better tomorrow with lower production costs, lower fuel prices, lower electricity prices, and a fair distribution of subsidies.” The grievances are clear: they demand lower production costs, fair distribution of subsidies, and relief from burdensome regulations. Government response and concessions Faced with mounting pressure, European governments have begun to respond. Concessions have been made, with plans to scrap or water down measures such as increasing diesel taxes and cutting subsidies. The EU, for instance, abandoned its plan to halve pesticide use. However, farmers argue that these measures are insufficient and continue to demand more substantial action to address their concerns. A familiar narrative: Comparisons to India The farmer protests in Europe draw striking parallels to those witnessed in India in 2020. Like their European counterparts, Indian farmers took to the streets to protest against new agricultural laws, facing criticism and international scrutiny. Eventually, the Indian government relented, making concessions to appease the protesters. Now, as Europe grapples with its own farmer unrest, the question arises: will governments listen and act in time to avert a crisis? Role of democracy and public order While protests are a fundamental aspect of democracy, they must not jeopardise public order. Law enforcement agencies have intervened to quell unrest, as seen in recent efforts to end farmer protests in countries like the Netherlands. However, the suppression of these protests raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining law and order. The farmer protests gripping Europe underscore the urgent need for action to address the systemic challenges facing agriculture in the region. While concessions have been made, the underlying issues of rising costs, competition from imports, and regulatory burdens remain unresolved. As the protests continue, European governments must heed the voices of their farmers and enact meaningful reforms to ensure the survival and sustainability of agriculture in the EU. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .