Thousands of Irish farmers took to the streets of the central town of Athlone on Saturday, escalating opposition to the European Union’s Mercosur trade agreement a day after most EU member states gave provisional approval to the pact.
Tractors streamed into the town from across Ireland as demonstrators warned the deal would undercut domestic agriculture and weaken rural economies already under financial strain.
Although Ireland joined France, Poland, Hungary, and Austria in voting against the agreement, their bloc failed to prevent the accord from moving forward.
The demonstrations reflected mounting concern among European farmers following similar protests in France, Poland, and Belgium, signaling a widening backlash rather than an isolated response.
Placards carried through Athlone accused European leaders of trading agricultural livelihoods for industrial gains elsewhere in the bloc.
Irish farmers have been particularly vocal, warning that the agreement could allow an additional 99,000 tonnes of low-cost beef into the EU market.
Beef and dairy farming remain major employers in Ireland, where many producers say incomes are already unsustainable.
The Irish Farmers’ Association described the provisional approval as “very disappointing” and said it would intensify lobbying efforts ahead of the European Parliament vote.
Joe Keogh, a farmer from Multyfarnham, said, “It’s an absolute disgrace on behalf of the farmers and people that have put Europe where it is today.”
“It’s going to close down the whole countryside,” he added.
Negotiated over more than 25 years, the EU-Mercosur agreement would create one of the world’s largest free trade zones between the 27-nation EU and Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The deal would lower tariffs on agricultural products and minerals from South America while boosting EU exports of machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Business groups have welcomed the accord, but critics argue it lacks safeguards on food safety and environmental standards.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has expressed concern that imported beef may not meet EU regulations.
Niamh O’Brien, a farmer from Athenry, said the issue extends beyond trade, adding, “It has severe implications for both the farmer and the consumer.”
Ireland and France have pledged to continue fighting the deal as it heads toward what officials describe as a tight and unpredictable parliamentary vote.