European farmers held protests Thursday to demand government help in dealing with rising costs and environmental rules. One of the protests happened in Brussels, Belgium, where EU leaders gathered for a summit meeting on Thursday. Some farmers drove tractors onto the grounds of the European Parliament building to bring attention to their demands. Protesters also lit off fireworks and threw eggs and bottles at police in the area, The Associated Press reported. Smoke could also be seen around parts of Brussels as some farmers set pieces of hay on fire, the news agency said. Security forces put out the fires and moved in to protect EU buildings.

In Paris, French farmers continued to block traffic on major roadways around the city. Farmers in several European nations have been holding mostly peaceful protests in recent weeks. The farmers say it is harder to make a good living because of high operating costs. Costs for fuel and fertilizer have risen sharply in Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also say they have been hurt by increased competition and weather conditions. France’s government sent in armored vehicles to Paris’ large Rungis food market, which was targeted by demonstrators. French police told Reuters news agency they arrested 79 people who entered a storage center at the market. The market is an important supplier of fruits and vegetables to France and other nations. Rungis has repeatedly become a target for European farmers, many of whom traveled a long way to bring their tractors there. One farmer who traveled to Brussels to protest was 26-year-old Luca Mouton. He told Reuters, “Time is up. (EU leaders must) think of the farmers. Talk to the farmers rather than about the farmers, discuss what is possible. We are open to dialogue.”

1. How have European farmers been affected by the combination of rising costs and environmental regulations, as demonstrated by recent protests in Brussels and Paris?

a) Increased competition and weather conditions

b) Decreased government subsidies and support

c) High operating costs for fuel and fertilizer

d) Limited access to agricultural technology advancements

2. Which actions have European farmers taken to highlight their grievances and demands during recent protests in Brussels and Paris?

a) Engaging in peaceful demonstrations and dialogues with government officials

b) Blocking traffic on major roadways and occupying key locations

c) Implementing sustainable farming practices to mitigate environmental impacts

d) Collaborating with international organizations to address global agricultural challenges