16 Jan 2024 | 11:09 AM UTC
Romania: Truckers and farmers likely to continue vehicular demonstrations around Bucharest through at least Jan. 22
Truckers, farmers likely to continue vehicle protests on highways around Bucharest, Romania through Jan. 22. Transport disruptions likely.
Unionized truckers and farmers will likely continue their ongoing campaign of daily vehicular protests along highways around Bucharest through at least Jan. 22. The action began Jan. 10, with trucks and tractors obstructing traffic by driving at slow speeds on the Capital Beltway (Centura Capitalei, DNCB) during the day. The purpose of the demonstrations is to draw attention to a variety of demands, including reduced taxes, better working conditions, and control of Ukrainian trucks entering Romania; however, labor leaders claim that the protests began spontaneously and were not organized by union leadership. About 6,000 trucks participated in demonstrations Jan. 10. As of Jan. 15, the protests continued on a daily basis in Bucharest and the port of Constanta; further action by drivers and farmers is highly likely in the coming days.
As of Jan. 16, Romanian farmers are continuing to demonstrate at the Romanian-Ukrainian border, over imports of Ukrainian produce. The protest started Jan. 13 and has prompted long delays are the Porubne-Siret and Krasna-Vicovu de Sus crossing points. The two separate issues will likely cause cumulative disruptions for freight traffic in Romania.
Daytime disruptions will likely continue on the A1 Motorway and DNCB in the coming days. Demonstrators may obstruct other highways in and around Bucharest. Heightened security is likely near active demonstration areas. Low-level confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers or frustrated motorists cannot be ruled out.
Allow additional time for travel on impacted thoroughfares in the greater Bucharest area. Consider alternative routes to the A1 motorway and the DNCB during daytime hours. Check traffic conditions on Bucharest highways before departure. Avoid demonstration areas as a standard precaution. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
