PREVIEW

EU Governments Offer Concessions Amid Widespread Farmer Protests. On February 2, tractors lined up around Greece's annual Agrotica trade fair to underline farmers' determination to escalate protests over rising costs. 'The Independent' reports that similar protests have taken place across Europe, with farmers speaking out over inflation, foreign competition and climate regulations. In response, national leaders have raced to offer concessions ahead of the European Union's parliamentary elections in June. In Brussels, farmers blocked streets with hundreds of tractors as protestors burned tires, prompting the bloc's 27 member nations to hold an emergency summit. The EU's executive commission quickly announced plans to protect farmers from cheaper products exported from Ukraine. The commission also decided to allow farmers to continue using some land they had been required to keep fallow due to environmental regulations. "I just would like to reassure them that we do our utmost to listen to their concerns. I think we are addressing two very important (concerns) of them right now." Maros Sefcovic, European Commission Vice President, via 'The Independent'. 'The Independent' reports that another protest in Paris saw farmers dismantle roadblocks and other barricades despite the French government promising additional financial support. In Germany, farmer protests broke out in December after the government announced that vehicle and fuel tax exemptions for agriculture would be abolished. On February 2, the Greek government approved a support package that includes tax rebates, a five-month discount on electricity, debt relief and food recovery funds. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT