BRUSSELS, March 26 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 tractors descended on central Brussels on Tuesday, protesting falling agricultural prices, rising costs and environmental regulations they consider too strict. The protest caused major traffic disruptions across the Belgian capital.
Two police officers were injured, and one person was arrested during the demonstration. Law enforcement officers were targeted with Molotov cocktails and other projectiles.
Farmers are demanding concrete measures to support European agriculture and ensure its long-term viability. They are calling for better prices for their products, simpler regulations and financial aid to meet environmental challenges.
This is the third demonstration by angry farmers in the capital since the beginning of the year, following those in February.
Negotiations are underway between agricultural unions, authorities and representatives of the European Union (EU). European authorities have already offered concessions to placate protesting farmers, promising to review the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. A European Commission spokesperson said earlier this month that it would seek to "reduce the burden related to controls for EU farmers." ■