Farmers from across the continent of Europe have gathered in Brussels to protest against a free trade agreement with the Mercosur nations of South America. They fear that Europe will be swamped by cheap farm products. When protesters hurled stones, Belgian police deployed water cannon.
In some parts of Brussels, the atmosphere is very tense. Stones are being thrown at police outside the European Parliament. Earlier today, fires were started and attempts were made to break through police blockades at various other locations in the European quarter. As a result, water cannons were deployed briefly this morning.
Police pelted with potatoes and eggs
At the European Parliament on the Luxemburgplein, the situation once again got out of hand. The police were pelted with potatoes, beetroots, firecrackers and eggs by around a hundred demonstrators and responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Fortunately, some farmers were in better cheer.
Police count 7,300 protesters and 1,000 tractors
The police counted 7,300 protesters and 50 tractors at the official farmers' protest. Another 950 tractors were parked in the European quarter. Organisers speak of 10,000 protesters.
Police charge at protesters on Luxemburgplein
Brussels police charged against protesters on the Luxemburgplein in the European district of Brussels on Thursday, where the situation was becoming increasingly turbulent. Several fires were raging on the square and farmers pelted the police and media camera crews with firecrackers.
During the charge, the police used tear gas grenades, pepper spray and water hoses to disperse the protesters. They then moved onto Luxemburgplein in a police line. The protesters were pushed back, but the rioting continued. All kinds of projectiles were thrown at the police.
At least one person has been injured. Several others have been arrested.