BRUSSELS

Farmers from across Europe gathered in Brussels on Thursday to protest a free trade agreement between the European Union and several South American countries, blocking the roads in the capital with their tractors.

The European farmers' federation Copa-Cogeca expects around 10,000 demonstrators to participate.

Farmers voiced concerns that the EU-Mercosur deal, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, could create "unfair competition and harm European agriculture."

French President Emmanuel Macron said upon arriving at the leaders' summit that the EU must not compromise its farmers and food producers by signing an agreement with Mercosur countries that has not yet been finalized.

Both France and Italy have urged postponing the signing until the proper conditions are in place to safeguard farmers.

However, Germany and Spain remain among the strongest supporters of the deal, arguing that it would boost European exports at a time of weak growth and intensifying global competition. Backers also see Mercosur as a way to diversify trade partnerships amid rising tariff pressures from the US.

The first group of protesters arrived on Wednesday evening, and by 11.30 am local time (1030GMT). On Thursday, tensions escalated at Place du Luxembourg, where some demonstrators threw glass bottles, potatoes, and some protesters set fire to wood from their own trailers near the European Parliament.

Fireworks were also used. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Even though the farmers aimed to reach the European Council building, where EU leaders are gathering for a summit, the police barricaded it and did not allow them to pass. Tractors were seen lined up along the road to the Council building.

Around 150 tractors have so far reached the capital, with several convoys still on the way.

Some main roads are temporarily closed due to the protest, and public transportation is disrupted.