Europe: Farmers' protests likely in urban centers and on major roads in multiple countries through early February

Protests by farmers' unions and agricultural groups will likely continue in urban centers and on major roads in multiple EU member states through early February. Protesters are denouncing various national and EU policies, including strict environmental standards and the continued import of Russian and Belarusian foodstuffs, among several other issues.

Go-slow protests and road blockades have taken place in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, and Portugal in recent weeks. Further demonstrations are planned in several of these countries in the coming days, as well as in Latvia from Feb. 5 and Spain from Feb. 6. Impromptu solidarity rallies are likely with little to no warning in other EU nations. Protesters typically blockade regional and intercity highways, inner city highways and ring roads, border crossings, and port access roads. Farming groups often begin their campaigns with regional protests on rural roads before escalating their campaign with demonstrations in capital cities, major highways, and border crossings. In Belgium, blockades have also prevented trucks from accessing distribution centers owned by commercial retailers; this tactic may spread to other nations. Retailers in Belgium have warned of goods shortages in some stores.

Farmers unions and associations intend to hold further protests across the region in the coming days but have largely refrained from releasing specific details, likely to maximize disruption. The protests and related security measures will likely cause severe delays on affected highways and consequent congestion on nearby diversions. The actions are likely to proceed peacefully; however, low-level confrontations between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.