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9,000 protesters march against EU trade deals with U.S., Canada in Brussels

Xinhua, September 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

A total of 9,000 protesters paraded in the heart of Brussels around the European Union (EU) institutions to demonstrate against the bloc's trade deals with the United States and Canada late Tuesday, fearing those agreements would harm Europe's industries and social benefits.

Two meters-high inflatable Trojan horses, labeled "TTIP" and "CETA" respectively, were placed on a square between headquarters of the European Commission and the Council of the EU, implying the EU-U.S. Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada were conspiratorial pacts.

More than 50 groups participated the march, which occupied some two kilometers of a street toward the square, blocking the traffic at rush time. Organizers expected 10,000 to 15,000 people to attend the demonstrations but police put a "definitive" number at 9000.

"The agreements will change all the rules in EU countries. We need to take control of our own life," Anastasia,a member of European NGO EuropeanLeft,told Xinhua.

"We have to make a living," a group of farmers yelled. "Pay attention! It's the U.S. that wins in the end, " said Eric Claeys, organizer of these farmers. "The intrusion of American agriculture industry is our main concern. American's standard for agricultural products like meat and vegetable is much lower than Europeans'," he added.

The demonstration, following several strikes in several German cities, is part of a series of planned activities against the TTIP and CETA. Another protest is planned in Bratislava on Friday, when EU trade ministers are expected to discuss the two deals.

Europe has recently seen increased anger and resistance toward the two deals from politicians and worker unions. This comes as parties hope to conclude TTIP by the end of this year and gain approvals on CETA from member states and the European Parliament.

French President Francois Hollande earlier criticized TTIP as "clearly unbalanced" and his government refrained support for continuing the talks while German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel believed the deal had "de facto failed" as Brussels and Washington reached no agreement after three years of negotiations. Endit