On 9 January 2026, a nationwide farmers’ protest is taking place across Poland against the planned trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). In Warsaw, the mobilisation is centred on a so-called “Star March”, with farmers arguing that the deal could open the door to cheaper food imports from South America and create— in their view—unfair competition due to differing production standards.
Warsaw: march through the city centre, finale near the Prime Minister’s Office
The Warsaw protest began at Plac Defilad (Parade Square) around 11:00, with the route running via Aleje Jerozolimskie, Rondo de Gaulle’a, Nowy Świat and Plac Trzech Krzyży, continuing toward Wiejska Street (the Sejm/Parliament) and ending near the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. The gathering is expected to last until roughly 15:00.
Tractors were meant to be a visible symbol of the protest, though reports indicate that not all tractors were allowed into the city, which added to tensions and frustration among participants.
Core message: “Stop EU–Mercosur”
Banners in Warsaw prominently feature slogans directly targeting the agreement—such as “Stop EU–Mercosur”—and organisers stress that the main demand is to block the deal, defending the domestic agricultural market and the profitability of production.
Protesters also raise consumer-oriented arguments, warning about imports produced under different regulatory conditions (e.g., rules on plant-protection products, animal welfare, or environmental costs).
European context: the decision is moving faster; protests in multiple countries
The Polish protest is part of a wider wave of farmer demonstrations across the EU. Similar actions have been reported in several countries, including France, where farmers have also protested against Mercosur.
The political background is that EU member states have reportedly given initial backing for moving forward with signing the agreement: according to media reports, 21 states supported the step, five opposed (Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland and Poland), and Belgium abstained.
What is the agreement—and why is it so controversial?
The EU–Mercosur agreement is a long-running free-trade project negotiated for more than two decades. Supporters argue it could open new markets for European industry and services and has strategic value amid tensions in global trade.
Farmers—and several governments—focus instead on the risk of higher imports of “sensitive” agricultural goods, particularly beef, poultry and sugar, which could put downward pressure on prices and hit EU producers’ margins. These sectors are widely seen as among the most exposed.
The European Commission has pointed to potential safeguards: the option of a temporary “brake” on imports of sensitive products, strengthened controls (including on pesticide residues), and support tools such as crisis funds.
Poland’s position: “negative,” but the decision is made at EU level
From Poland’s perspective, a key point is that the government has declared it will maintain its opposition to the agreement and continues to call for additional protections. Government representatives have also publicly acknowledged that farmers’ concerns are understandable, while reiterating Poland’s negative stance toward the deal.
At the same time, the EU process means that Poland’s opposition alone may not be enough to stop the agreement if the required EU majority is secured.
What happens next?
After this step, the next milestones include the formal signing process and further approvals, including the role of the European Parliament. Public debate is also continuing over the legal and political path—particularly questions around how and when parts of the deal might be applied and what safeguards would be enforceable in practice.
