Belgium: Farmers to continue staging go-slow protests and road blockades nationwide through early February /update 2

Unionized farmers will likely continue to stage go-slow protests and road blockades on major roads and highways across Belgium through at least Feb. 5 as they denounce strict EU environmental standards amid declining incomes. Protests have reduced in scale and intensity since peaking in Brussels on Feb. 1 after government officials engaged with several farming groups; however, disruptive protests are taking place in multiple regions, including south of Brussels and on the border with the Netherlands. Multiple major roads are closed, and further disruptions are likely at little or no notice; live traffic information can be found here.

Blockades have disrupted cross-border traffic with the Netherlands at the A12, A1, and E34 highways; alternate crossings will likely experience congestion due to increased demand. The E19 highway south of Brussels has been repeatedly targeted by go-slow convoys and is closed in multiple locations. Major roads east of Liege, including the A25, N642, and the N3, are also popular locations for blockades and go-slow protests. Protesters also continue to target the port of Zeebrugge. The convoys and roadblocks will likely cause significant disruptions to port operations, freight transport, and logistics infrastructure.

Some agricultural groups have blocked trucks from entering or exiting commercial retailer-owned distribution centers, including those belonging to Colruyt, Aldi, Lidl, and Delhaize. Product shortages are possible in stores served by affected distribution centers. No indication as to the duration of actions blocking distribution centers has been announced.

Farmers unions and associations likely intend to hold further protests across the country in the coming days but typically refrain from releasing specific details, likely to maximize disruption. 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.