Around 250 tractors blocked the streets in Brussels' European district and important entrance roads into the city. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
The majority of representatives of the EU states had previously spoken out in favor of allowing more relaxed environmental regulations for farmers. If there is a majority in the European Parliament in April, the changes could come into force at the end of spring.. Baden-Württemberg's Agriculture Minister Peter Hauk demanded that the federal government implement the Commission's proposals one-to-one.