Living or Environment, Which One Will Be Prioritized?

   French farmers’ protests against the government’s agricultural regulation policy have expanded throughout Europe. Measures are being taken one after another, including the French prime minister’s promise to ease environmental regulations.

▲ Farmers are protesting in front of the EU parliament building demanding agricultural measures. (Photo from AP Yonhap News)

   Farmers’ protests began because of the environmental regulations of the government and the EU. Recently, the Commission of the European Union proposed a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Notably, approximately 10% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions originate from the agricultural sector. As a result, the French government adopted a plan to eliminate tax exemptions on fuels used by carbon-intensive agricultural machinery, which prompted higher fuel expenses, leading to a surge in farmer complaints. Furthermore, the European Union’s tariff exemption policy for Ukrainian agricultural goods exacerbated the situation. Ukrainian agricultural products with these benefits have increased their position in Europe, and it has weakened the competitiveness of existing EU countries’ agricultural products.

▲ A citizen is riding a bicycle through a row of tractors in downtown Brussels, Belgium.(Photo from AP Yonhap News)

   The French government decided to maintain the exemption agriculture fuel tax and to temporarily hold the Ecopyhto, which is the policy to decrease the 50% usage of pesticides until 2040. In addition, the French government said that the Egalim, the legislation balancing the trade relationship between agri-food and large retailers, would be strengthened to release farmer's burden. The German federal government also proclaimed its decision to maintain taxes on agricultural vehicles. However, the agriculture fuel tax support will be decreased by 40% this year, and twice by 30% in two years. The EU also waived the legislation mandating the reduction of agricultural pesticides and will exclude the goal of agriculture from the EU climate-neutral goal by 2050.

   Despite the protests, the EU and national governments keep seeking a compromise between stringent climate laws and the livelihoods of farmers. However, achieving this balance remains politically fraught, with the EU facing criticism for its proposed solutions.