Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called on protesting farmers to end the blockades after a week of protests across the country, including in the European district of Brussels, Belgian television VRT reported.
Farmers continue their protests on Friday, including demonstrations at border crossings with the Netherlands and in the port of Zeebrugge.
As VRT writes, farmers are dissatisfied with EU environmental protection regulations, including the EU Nature Conservation Directive and the Flemish government’s agreement on limiting nitrogen emissions in agriculture. They also protest against, in their opinion, excessive bureaucracy and low prices of their products.
De Croo told Radio 1 that discussions had taken place with farmer delegations at federal and European level.
Suppressed anger has come to light and we are trying to find solutions to these concerns – when they are justified – said the head of the Belgian government.
The Prime Minister added that both he and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, committed to continuing talks with farmers in the coming weeks. – I think now is the time to abandon the blockades – he noted.
VRT reports that several protests by farmers are also expected on Friday, blocking roads, shops and distribution centers. As of Thursday evening, three border crossings with the Netherlands in Zandvliet, Meer and Postel are closed in both directions. On Friday morning, farmers talked to the Flemish government.
