Europe: Farmers' protests likely to continue regionwide through at least late February /update 1

Protests by farmers' unions and agricultural groups will likely continue in urban centers and on major roads in countries across Europe through at least late 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, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Organizers have scheduled further demonstrations in several of these countries through the end of February. Farmers in Greece and Spain, in particular, plan to intensify their protest campaigns over the course of the month. While the majority of these actions have occurred in EU member nations, sporadic demonstrations of a similar nature could also occur in non-member countries. In Switzerland, for example, farmers have staged related, albeit smaller protests with tractor blockades in Geneva and the Baselbiet canton to demand higher prices for their produce.

Impromptu solidarity rallies will likely materialize with little-to-no warning. Farming groups often begin their campaigns with regional protests on rural roads before escalating them with demonstrations in capital cities, along major highways, at border crossings, and near port facilities. In Belgium, blockades have also prevented trucks from accessing distribution centers owned by commercial retailers; this tactic may spread to other countries. Belgian retailers have warned of goods shortages in some stores.

Farmers' unions and associations often refrain from releasing details of planned actions, likely to maximize their disruptive potential. The protests and related security measures have caused severe delays on affected highways, with increased traffic congestion spilling over onto alternate routes; similar transport disruptions and heightened security measures are likely in areas subject to future protest activity. Most of the gatherings will remain largely peaceful. However, low-level confrontations between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.