Italy: Farmers protesting on major roads and in city centers nationwide as of Jan. 30

Agricultural activist groups and farming unions continue to protest nationwide Jan. 30, to denounce government agricultural policies, including plans to end tax subsidies for agricultural diesel. Farmers have formed convoys of slow-moving agricultural vehicles on major routes and in some city centers. Separate groups have formed multiple static roadblocks on motorways nationwide. As of Jan. 30, the most significant disruptions have been reported on the A1 motorway at Orte, north of Rome, and on routes around Milan. However, protests are taking place across all regions including in Sardinia.

Further protests are highly likely to continue in the coming days. In the event that farmers' groups adopt tactics used in Belgium and Germany, protest activity may also target ports and thereby create disruptions to freight operations.

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