Europe’s Support for Ukrainian Wheat Gets Farmers Even Angrier
The disquiet is a challenge for European leaders as they seek to balance domestic politics with aid for Kyiv.
A French farmer drives a tractor towards Les Invalides during a protest in central Paris on Feb. 23. 2024.
Photographer: Nathan Laine/BloombergFarmers have a history of discontent with the European Union, whether over how to tackle climate change or bureaucracy. Now another target for their anger risks escalating into a bigger political confrontation.
A move by the EU this week to extend free trade measures with Ukraine has poured fuel on the already growing frustration among grain producers from Poland to France. A provisional deal early on March 20 to suspend duties and quotas for another year means Ukraine would be able to continue to sell wheat in the common market of 27 European countries.