Why are tractors obstructing European roads?

While farmers in Europe are protesting on the highways to New Delhi, they are also grumbling about cheap imports, growing expenses, and declining earnings.
Which are the primary initiators?

War in Ukraine Farm food from Ukraine has made its way to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia via neighboring nations including Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia since Russia invaded the country.

A portion of the grain from Ukraine found its way into these nations’ local markets, bringing down the cost of domestic food.
Climate Change: Farmers in Europe have recently been impacted by severe weather events, ranging from wildfires and floods to water shortages. These issues are being attributed to climate change. While France and Germany have had floods, southern European nations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal have seen frequent droughts that have impacted agriculture.
Green Laws | In July 2023, the EU changed its agriculture policies as part of the Green Deal. Stricter laws were implemented to cut greenhouse gas emissions, which has forced farmers to adopt more expensive but sustainable techniques. The European Commission softened its stance on the agricultural industry and abandoned its plan to limit pesticide use in reaction to the demonstrations. The commission also called for a 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2040.
Where are the demonstrations taking place?
France | Farmers who refused to accept President Emmanuel Macron’s agricultural plans sparked protests in the middle of January. French farmers want more wages, fewer red tape, and protection from international competition. Even after the French government abandoned plans at the end of January to progressively cut down on agricultural fuel subsidies, protests have persisted.
The EU’s capital, Brussels, has seen a number of rallies, with farmers from participating nations swarming the Belgian city to voice their concerns. Farmers in Belgium have also been demonstrating against the new climate restrictions.
Spain | Amidst a record-breaking drought, protests began on February 1. Protesters are not going to back down, even after the Spanish Minister of Agriculture met with farmers’ unions. For 140,000 farmers, the government has pledged $290 million in relief. Farmers are dissatisfied with the import of tomatoes from Morocco in addition to the inexpensive imports from Ukraine. Another area of contention is the government’s decision from the previous year to stop using water from the Tagus for irrigation in southeast Spain, which may endanger local agriculture. According to agricultural organizations, it would result in the loss of 15,000 employment and the abandonment of 12,200 hectares of arable land.
Italy | Frequent droughts and high temperatures pose a danger to the planting of vegetables, legumes, and grains, putting Northeastern Italy at risk of turning into an arid zone. With Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stating that 3 billion euros had been sent from the EU’s post-pandemic recovery budget to the agricultural sector, the government intends to provide tax relief to struggling farmers.
Portugal | Farmers started protesting earlier this month, calling for improvements to the industry and equitable treatment. Water shortage is affecting Portugal’s farming industry. The government unveiled a $543 million emergency help plan for farmers at the end of January.
Greece | Floods struck central Greece last year, wiping approximately 20% of yearly agriculture earnings due to wildfires. Farmers began protesting earlier this month, demanding debt waivers, tax-free gasoline, import protection, and speedier payment for damages caused by natural calamities. While expressing compassion, the government has indicated that it is unable to fulfill the requests due to fiscal restrictions.
Germany | Since January, farmers have been demonstrating against the government’s plan to gradually eliminate subsidies for agricultural fuel. Farmers’ requests have been partly met by the government, which promised to gradually phase out the plan to reduce fuel tax benefits.