France: Farmers’ Protests Against Mercosur Expand Across Country, Motorway Blockages Continue

Thousands of European farmers are gathering in Brussels today, December 18, to protest the EU-Mercosur trade deal during a high-stakes European Council summit. In France, the unrest has escalated with motorways being blocked and protests expanding toward major ski resort access routes just ahead of tomorrow's scheduled vote on the agreement. This surge in mobilization follows a massive day of action yesterday, which saw over 3,600 farmers participate in at least 80 separate demonstrations across the country.

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister of the City and Housing Vincent Jeanbrun, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister of the City and Housing Vincent Jeanbrun, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Nicola Fratoianni of AVS. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - 17 December 2025: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 December. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Nicola Fratoianni of AVS. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Riccardo Ricciardi of the Five Star Movement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giulio Tremonti. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks at the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Angelo Bonelli, representative of AVS. Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the chamber. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giuseppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party. Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the chamber. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giuseppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party. Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the chamber. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Angelo Bonelli, representative of AVS. Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the chamber. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Transport Minister Matteo Salvini) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Angelo Bonelli, representative of AVS. Giorgia Meloni listens to the parliamentary debate in the chamber. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport) speaks in the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Prime Minister Meloni Addresses Chamber of Deputies - Rome

Rome, Italy - December 17, 2025: Giorgia Meloni responds to the parliamentary debate in the Chamber of Deputies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right: Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini) addresses the Chamber of Deputies with communications ahead of the European Council in Brussels on December 18 and 19. Photo by Marco Iacobucci/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister for Transports Philippe Tabarot, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister for Transports Philippe Tabarot, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister for Transports Philippe Tabarot, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister for Transports Philippe Tabarot, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister for Transports Philippe Tabarot, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

President Macron Visits Expansion Marseille Saint-Charles Site - Marseille

French Minister of the City and Housing Vincent Jeanbrun, Martine Vassal, President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, French President Emmanuel Macron, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit of the site of the planned extension for Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles train station, in Marseille, France, on December 16, 2025. Photo by Christian Liewig/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM