President, on 18 December a large-scale European farmers’ mobilisation will take place in Brussels. Why is this protest so important, and why are Lithuanian farmers joining?
President Dr. Arūnas Svitojus:
This will be a historic day. For the first time, representatives from all 27 EU Member States will gather in Brussels at the same time. Such unity has never been seen before. The message is very clear: European agriculture has reached a breaking point. Beautiful words about agriculture’s strategic importance are no longer enough — we need real decisions to protect farmers’ incomes, competitiveness, production planning, and Europe’s ability to feed itself.
Lithuanian farmers face the same challenges as colleagues across Europe: enormous increases in fertiliser and energy prices, legal uncertainty, excessive regulation, and a trade policy that increasingly undermines our competitiveness. That is why we stand together — because this is not a problem of one country, but a challenge for the entire European Union.
– How would you assess the situation of farmers in Europe today?
President Dr. A. Svitojus:
Farmers are under pressure from all sides:
• Fertiliser prices and availability have become a critical problem.
• Energy prices are at record highs.
• The concentration of retail power restricts fair pricing.
• EU legislation has become so complex that it is almost impossible for farmers to plan investments.
• Trade agreements — such as Mercosur — undermine competitiveness and open the EU market to products that do not meet our standards.
This means only one thing: Europe risks losing its ability to feed itself. Without decisive action, European farming will become dependent on imports — a strategic mistake.
– What exactly are farmers’ organisations, including the Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture, proposing to EU leaders?
President:
We have set out clear, realistic and implementable demands, based on three main pillars:
1. A strong and adequately funded CAP after 2027
• The budget must be stable, predictable and protected from inflation.
• The two-pillar structure and the common nature of the CAP must be preserved.
• EU institutions must ensure that farmers can invest, modernise their farms, create added value and maintain fair prices for consumers.
2. Fair and balanced trade
• Ratification of the Mercosur agreement must be stopped, as it would undermine the competitiveness of European agriculture.
• Imports must be regulated to ensure market stability and compliance with EU standards.
• The EU must seek clear and reciprocal trade conditions with the United States and review agreements with third countries.
3. Real, not symbolic, simplification of EU legislation
• CBAM for fertilisers must be postponed as long as Europe remains dependent on fertiliser imports.
• A systemic legislative review is essential — an environmental “omnibus” to ensure rules that are realistic, implementable and properly financed.
• A Food and Feed Omnibus must accelerate the approval of plant protection products and apply the “no ban without alternatives” principle.
These are not radical demands — they are common-sense measures essential to preserve European agriculture.
– Why do you say this mobilisation could be historic?
President Dr. A. Svitojus:
Because these are not isolated protests. This is the collective voice of all European farmers. For the first time, all 27 EU countries will speak with one voice to defend the future of agriculture. We are the community that feeds Europe every single day. Without agriculture, there is no European security. Politicians understand this — but unfortunately, they often act too slowly.
– What message will be conveyed to the European Commission and the Council?
President Dr. A. Svitojus:
The message is simple and crystal clear: enough smoke and mirrors. Europe must choose — either firmly support agriculture or lose its strategic capacity to feed its people. Farmers will no longer settle for rhetoric. They demand action — and that action must come now.
– Do you believe the protest will influence decision-making in Brussels?
President Dr. A. Svitojus:
Our goal is not conflict. Our goal is for policymakers to understand the real situation. And when 10,000 farmers stand together in Brussels, when all of us speak with one voice for the future of European agriculture, I believe this cannot be ignored. Europe now needs bold and clear decisions — not yet another vision that never becomes reality.
– What message would you like to convey to Lithuanian farmers and partners?
President Dr A. Svitojus:
Lithuanian farmers are strong European partners and professionals. We have always stood for unity. Only together can we defend the future of farming, the vitality of our rural areas and the security of our state. Agriculture is more than a sector — it is the foundation of our national identity and wellbeing.