Farmers in Europe are unhappy with a new trade agreement. They recently protested in Nicosia. Farmers are worried about the European Union's trade deal with Mercosur. Local farmers, students, and environmental groups gathered. They fear the deal will harm European farming. Small and medium-sized farms are especially concerned.
Farmers gave a document to EU leaders. They want the EU to rethink the Mercosur deal. They also want better protection for European farmers. The European Court is checking the deal's rules. However, the deal can still be used now.
Farmers think the deal does not protect them enough. They worry about products like halloumi cheese. They believe more food imports hurt the EU's goal of feeding itself. They also think the deal helps big EU countries more. Small farms could suffer.
Farmers do not believe the deal will help shoppers. They think middlemen and big stores will get richer. They also worry about food safety. Imported food might not meet EU standards. This could be dangerous for consumers.
An MEP, Giorgos Georgiou, agreed. He said the EU Parliament's rules are not enough. He wants fair trade deals, not just free trade. He wants more openness in trade talks. People are worried the deal might become permanent.
If the deal continues without changes, there could be big problems. Citizens' rights might be affected. Inequality in farming could grow. Consumer well-being might decrease. The European Court is still deciding. The protests show the difficulty of balancing trade and protection.