"The EU's zero-emission target threatens farmers' livelihoods, Belgian farmers tear down statues! "！
A group of Belgian farmers demonstrate in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, but they accidentally knock over a statue commemorating a 19th-century British industrialist. This incident has attracted wide attention from all walks of life, and has also aroused heated discussions, and also highlighted the anger and dilemma of farmers facing an existential crisis under the regulations of the European Union and various countries.
Initially, radical farmers thought they were demolishing a statue of the founder of the European Union, but in reality, the statue was built in honor of John Cockerell. The Lancashire-born steel tycoon helped revive Belgium's woollen industry and rebuilt the railway. The sculpture was built in 1871, almost a hundred years before the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community.
During this demonstration, the farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with the European Union and its domestic regulations, which they believed would endanger their lives. They smashed eggs at riot police officers who stood in their way, causing a flurry of clashes. However, the demonstrators did not pose an actual threat, and the police gradually withdrew from interfering.
The demonstration was filled with joy, with Belgium's iconic disco dance song "Pump Up the Jam" echoing through the stereo, accompanied by fireworks and the sound of tractor horns. A group of pro-Palestinian marchers even tried to participate in the peasant march, but were eventually dispersed by the peasants with fireworks.
But behind the demonstrations lies a dilemma for the peasants. They believe that the EU is going to reach net zero emissions by 2050, which poses a danger to their business. For example, a farmer named Charles Dickens had to cut his cattle feed by 45 percent in order to meet his new emissions reduction targets.
Only Flemish ** would do this, and farmers are worried about what they will face if regulations are tighter in Europe. They felt very helpless and disappointed, and some even said: "It's better to hang yourself." It's not just a one-man problem, it's the end of a generational farming tradition.
The European Union has signed the Mexico Agreement with South American countries, which has also raised concerns among farmers. Some leftist farmers, especially in Spain, denounced the agreement for allowing "global competitors" to enter the market and pushing family businesses to the margins.