Belgian farmers are continuing their protests against new European environment rules. Tractors are disrupting the traffic on the Antwerp orbital and at various other spots across Flanders and southern Belgium. PM De Croo will meet with farmers’ leaders in early evening.
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Farmers' protests cause disruption ahead of European summit (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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In Antwerp the ring road was blockaded for drivers heading for Ghent, as a result of the occupation of Merksem viaduct is occupied. Farmers lit fires on the motorway hindering North-bound traffic, but decided to halt this protest in late morning. This afternoon there are plans to blockade slip roads on the E34 and E17 motorways as well as the approach to the port of Zeebrugge (West Flanders).
Belgian home minister Verlinden (Flemish Christian democrat) says she understands why the farmers are protesting but has asked them to announce actions that will cause disruption to the general public beforehand. She warns drivers can be surprised by columns of slow-moving traffic adding emergency services need to be able to get through.
Farmers say that they plan to disrupt traffic all week and wish to send a signal to European leaders gathering in Brussels on Thursday for a summit.
PM De Croo is eager to use the Belgian EU presidency to discuss several EU rules with the European commission. The premier noted Belgian farmers are among the most productive and innovative in Europe. With the commission he wants to discuss the hassle caused to farmers by administrative red tape and the need to phase in new measures.
Disruption on the Brussels orbital
Early this morning farmers blocked the Brussels orbital at Wemmel. Later the focus turned to a blockade at Halle. Traffic is also stopped between Huizingen and Wauthier-Braine. The blockade at Daussoulx, north of Namur, on the E411 has been lifted.
Flemish local transport company De Lijn warns that the protests are leading to delays on its services.
Desperation is great
Lode Ceyssens of the Farmers’ Union explains desperation is fuelling the protests and many farmers are eager to take part: “Our farmers are being swamped by a European tsunami of rules”.
He asks for conversations to be had with farmers and not for farming simply to be talked about.
In Namur Walloon environment minister Céline Tellier (Francophone green) visited protesting farmers. Farmers were unhappy with the minister’s answers, and she was booed and had to be led away under police escort.