Hundreds of farmers from across Europe gathered in Brussels on Thursday to protest European Union agricultural policies as EU leaders convened for a summit. The demonstration, largely focused on opposition to a proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, later descended into violence.⁣ ⁣ Clashes broke out near the European Parliament after some protesters threw rocks and potatoes at police and damaged nearby windows. Police moved in as tensions escalated and attempted to detain several demonstrators. In one incident, a tractor was driven toward a line of riot police, though no injuries were reported.⁣ ⁣ Brussels police said the protest had been authorised for up to 50 tractors, but by early afternoon about 1,000 tractors — most bearing Belgian licence plates — had arrived in the city. Authorities estimated that around 7,000 protesters took part.⁣ ⁣ EU leaders meeting in Brussels are expected to discuss whether to proceed with signing the trade deal with the Mercosur bloc, which includes...