Brussels, 26 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Convoys of farmers protesting agricultural regulations and food imports occupied the EU quarter in Brussels on Monday, blocking roads and lighting fires.

Tractors have cut off road access to the European Commission and other European Union buildings, while riot police have built barricades to keep the farmers at bay. Police have also closed two subway stations serving the area.

While farmers' protests are common in Brussels, Monday's demonstrations are the most extravagant the city has seen since the anti-establishment "yellow jackets" marches in 2018. Farmers say they're angry about burdensome regulations and cheap imports, particularly from Ukraine.

The air was filled with smoke and the sound of explosions and blaring horns as farmers burnt tyres and set off large fireworks.

On Rue de la Loi, the main thoroughfare leading to the European Commission's headquarters, a tractor bearing a sign saying "Imports = Pollution" pushed a burning substance onto a pedestrian crossing. Farmers also sprayed hay and spilled liquid manure onto the roads.

Photo: MIA archive