09 Jul 2022 | 12:14 PM UTC
Netherlands: Farmer protests likely to continue through July
Farmers and agricultural workers in the Netherlands are likely to continue protests through July. Disruptions likely to continue.
Event
Protests by farmers and agricultural sector workers are likely to persist through July. Some groups oppose government nitrogen reduction policies that farmers assert would negatively impact their sector. At least one group, Farmers of the Netherlands, indicated on July 8 that related agitation would continue. Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated July 8 that he was willing to talk with agitating groups in the coming weeks.
Protests are likely to continue as either larger organized events attracting significant turnouts or sporadic smaller localized events. Smaller events are unlikely to be well-publicized, if at all. Protesters are likely to continue to block both primary and secondary road routes with agricultural sector vehicles or embark on go-slow convoys. Demonstrations could also occur near government buildings, supermarket distribution centers, border crossings, private factory buildings, airports and other transport hubs, and city centers. Officials are likely to deploy security personnel to all events. Significant acts of violence are unlikely; however, minor confrontations could occur.
Advice
Check traffic conditions before travel; allow extra time to complete journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
