Belgium: Farmers staging go-slow protests and road blockades nationwide, including in Brussels, Jan. 29

Unionized farmers are staging go-slow protests and road blockades on major roads and highways across Belgium on Jan. 29 as they denounce strict EU environmental standards amid declining incomes. The most disruptive protests are taking place in central and southern regions, including the Brussels Capital, Walloon Brabant, Luxembourg, Namur, and Hainaut regions. Convoys of slow-moving agricultural vehicles are traveling on the Brussels Ring Road and blocking traffic on the E19 highway south of the city; significant disruptions are also ongoing in Halle, located 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 are 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.