/ Articles & Journals

Farmer Protests in Europe 2023–2024

Abstract

In 2023–2024, farmer protests swept across Europe, with tractors blocking roads and supermarkets, drawing significant media attention. Unlike previous protests, these events spread continent-wide, suggesting a contagion effect. This paper documents the surge in farmer protests, explores their triggers and underlying causes, and emphasizes the need for a just transition to sustainable food systems. The protests were sparked by proposed policy changes, tighter environmental regulations, perceived pressures on farm incomes and increased trade competition. However, the root causes varied by country. Swift policy responses at both national and EU levels included retracting controversial measures like the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation, but these actions also hindered key initiatives for transitioning to more sustainable agri-food systems. Moving forward, a comprehensive public debate on the future of Europe’s agri-food systems is crucial, focusing on balancing environmental sustainability with the economic viability of agriculture. A major political challenge will be moving beyond simplistic dichotomies to develop a vision for a food system that fosters synergies between farmer interests as well as environmental and social objectives.

Published 
Author(s)
Robert Finger, Anna Fabry, Marie Kammer, Jeroen Candel, Tobias Dalhaus, Eva Marie Meemken
Langues(s)
English
Focus topic
  • Other
Focus region
Europe
Annotation 2025-04-22 220313
Other

Agroecology is a holistic approach that aims to influence not just food...

Annotation 2025-04-22 173626
Studies

Climate change poses escalating threats to Africa, disproportionately affecting rural communities reliant...

Apr 2025
Annotation 2025-04-22 173626
Studies

This report provides a critical update to the 2017 Rights and Resources...

Mar 2025
Annotation 2025-04-22 173626
Working Papers & Briefs

This brief presents the gender transformative approach taken by the UK PACT...

Apr 2025