European farmers staged a tractor protest in Brussels, Belgium, ahead of a European Union leaders’ summit, opposing EU agricultural policies and a proposed free trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur. Organized by Copa-Cogeca, farmers gathered near the EU institutions, blocked roads, and set off fireworks, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons. Protesters argue the Mercosur agreement would expose them to unfair competition from cheaper agricultural products, particularly from Brazil. EU leaders are discussing the deal at the summit, though its ratification by member states remains uncertain.