France proposes EU law change to appease farmers
France plans to request changes to European Union environmental legislation this week in an attempt to quell farmer protests that threaten to disrupt Paris, Agerpres has reported.
The proposed modifications centre around the amount of land that must be left uncultivated under new biodiversity regulations adopted last year.
"In the next 48 hours, we will announce some measures," Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau declared to France 2 television on Monday.
The primary bone of contention revolves around the portion of land that farmers must keep fallow under the recently enacted biodiversity regulations. The European Parliament legislation, intended to restore degraded natural ecosystems, has been met with widespread criticism. As reported by the cited agency, the act mandates that EU member states implement measures by 2030 to renature roughly 20% of their territories, given that 81% of Europe's natural habitats are classified as deficient.
Certain farmers worry that their livelihoods will be negatively impacted.
The French government is scrambling to contain nationwide demonstrations organised by farmers demanding better pay and living standards. Many were scheduled to converge on Paris on Monday, while farmers in Belgium have also initiated protests.
Across several European nations, farmers voice concerns that the European Union is not providing sufficient support in the face of international competition and globalisation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
