Polish farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal across country
Organizers contend that the deal would allow agricultural products from South America—produced under lower environmental and regulatory standards—into the EU market, undermining Polish farmers and hastening the decline of family-run farms.
The demonstrations, coordinated by the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest, took place on highways, expressways, national roads, and key transport hubs. Traffic disruptions were reported in central Poland, Pomerania, the Lodz and Opole regions, and in Warsaw, with additional actions in Lublin and Silesia.
Not all protests involved complete road blockages. “In many cases, farmers will simply be lining up along the main roads in their region,” said protest representative Krzysztof Olejnik. Organizers also shared a map of demonstration sites, which some reports indicated approached 200 nationwide.
One of the most notable disruptions occurred on National Road 50 in Wiskitki, where about 30 tractors blocked one lane from 10:30 am, creating delays near the A2 motorway exit. “The protest began as announced and will last until 3.00 pm. There are currently around 30 tractors on National Road No. 50. One lane is blocked and traffic is moving through the other,” said Staff Sergeant Monika Michalczyk, a police press officer from Zyrardow.
The EU-Mercosur agreement would provide preferential tariffs for imports of beef, poultry, dairy, sugar, and ethanol from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, while European industrial goods would gain broader access to South American markets.
Polish farmers fear the pact would expose them to unfair competition and weaken domestic production. “These agricultural protests are a direct result of inaction, decision-making chaos, and a lack of real support from Polish politicians,” the National Grassroots Farmers’ Protest said on social media, urging dialogue and guarantees for the sector.
The agreement, initially expected to be signed in December 2025, has been postponed to January 2026. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed skepticism toward the deal, noting the delay should allow the European Commission time to consider protective measures.
President Karol Nawrocki called on the government to seek allies within the EU to form a blocking minority.
Opposition to the agreement has also emerged in other European countries. In mid-December, farmers from nations including France and Italy protested in Brussels, warning that Mercosur tariff preferences could harm European agriculture.
Organizers of Tuesday’s demonstrations indicated that further protests may follow if their demands are not addressed.
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