Belgium: Farmers staging go-slow protests and road blockades nationwide, including in Brussels, as of Jan. 30 /update 1

Unionized farmers are continuing to stage go-slow protests and road blockades on major roads and highways across Belgium on Jan. 30 as they denounce strict EU environmental standards amid declining incomes. Protests have spread and intensified since Jan. 29: the most disruptive protests are taking place in central and northern regions, including around Brussels and Antwerp. Disruptions on the Antwerp ring road continue to intensify. Further disruptions are likely at little or no notice; live traffic information can be found here.

As of Jan. 30, protesters are also targeting the port of Zeebrugge. Leaders state that the action will last 36 hours until late Jan. 31. The convoys and roadblocks will likely cause significant disruptions to port operations, freight transport, and logistics infrastructure.

Multiple roadblocks remain across the country, including on the E19 highway south of Brussels and at Halle, southwest of Brussels. In Namur, protest action has forced the closure or partial closure of multiple highways to the north of the city, including the E42 and the E411. Large stretches of the E19 highway remain closed in the Walloon Brabant and Hainault regions. Smaller but still disruptive convoys have been reported near Liege, Kortrijk, and at the Beaubru border crossing with France and on the E25 near Wayler on the border with Luxembourg.

Farmers unions and associations intend to hold further protests across the country in the coming days but have refrained from releasing specific details, likely to maximize disruption. However, demonstrations in Antwerp and Ghent are likely in the coming days, while another major demonstration is planned in Brussels on Feb. 1 to coincide with the Special European Council being held in the city that day.

The protests and related security measures will likely cause severe delays on the affected highways and consequent congestion on nearby diversions. The actions are likely to proceed peacefully. Similar protests are likely on regional highways and in rural towns nationwide in the coming days.