Germany: Farmers to protest in Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven, Jan. 29

Agricultural activist groups and farming unions plan to protest in Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven, Jan. 29, to denounce government agricultural policies, including plans to end tax subsidies for agricultural diesel. The protesters are reported to be targeting the port areas of the cities. Local authorities up to 1,500 tractors will converge on Hamburg. The convoys and roadblocks will likely cause significant disruptions to port operations, freight transport, and logistics infrastructure. The impact will also directly spread to major routes around Hamburg, and in the broader Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony states. The protest follows sustained demonstrations in Berlin and across Germany in recent days. Further protests are highly likely in other cities, and disruptions may continue in the coming days.

Heightened security is likely near all demonstrations. Transport disruptions will likely occur throughout the day in areas targeted by protesters. Road travel disruptions are possible at short notice on major highways throughout Germany and on highways entering affected cities on protest days as slow-moving tractors make their way to rally sites. While widespread violence is not anticipated, low-level scuffles between police and protesters are possible.