POLICE fired tear gas and water cannon at farmers in Brussels on Wednesday as protesters rallied against a major free-trade deal with South American nations.

Farmers fear that the deal will undercut their livelihoods, and there are broader political concerns that it could also help drive support for the far right.

Thousands of farmers are also expected at twin rallies planned for Thursday by farmers’ unions near the European Parliament and the Europa Building where leaders of the 27 European Union nations are meeting.

On Wednesday, Italy signalled that it had reservations about the deal, joining the French-led opposition to signing the massive transatlantic free-trade deal between the EU and the five active Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.

The deal would progressively remove duties on almost all goods traded between the two blocs over the next 15 years.

The French have demanded more safeguards including against increased regulations in the Mercosur nations.

Italy’s opposition would give France enough votes to veto the deal being pushed by the European Commission’s unelected president Ursula von der Leyen.

At a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it was a make-or-break moment for the deal.

“If we don’t do it now, Brazil won’t make any more agreements while I’m president,” he said.