Farmers’ Protests Escalate Ahead of EU Summit Amid Growing Discontent

Chaos erupted outside the European Parliament in Brussels on Feb. 1 when farmers threw eggs and stones at the building and started fires and set off fireworks nearby. The protest was aimed at putting pressure on European Union leaders, who convened at a summit, to alleviate the high taxes and costs associated with agriculture. The protest also saw small groups attempting to tear down barriers erected in front of parliament, located a few blocks from where the summit was taking place. The protesters were met with tear gas and water cannons from riot police, while security personnel in riot gear stood guard behind barriers where the leaders were meeting at European Council headquarters. During the protest, a statue on the square was damaged. Several major thoroughfares in the city were blocked by tractors, which police estimated to be about 1,300....