20 Feb 2024 | 11:10 AM UTC
Moldova: Farmers' protests continuing nationwide in late February /update 2
Farmers' roadblock protests continue across Moldova in late February. Road travel, and border crossing disruptions are likely.
Protests by farmers' unions and agricultural groups are continuing nationwide through in late February. The Moldovan Farmers' Force Association started its action in early February, protesting diesel fuel donations from Romania and insufficient government subsidies. As of Feb. 20, the most significant disruptions are reported at the Leuseni border crossing with Romania; protesting farmers have recently blocked the highway at the crossing. Other protests are possible at the border crossing point of Costesti-Stanca. Other roadblock protests are ongoing nationwide, including in town centers, highways, and intersections. Protests at the Cahul-Orancea border crossing point have reportedly been suspended. However, further blockades are likely in the coming days.
Impromptu solidarity rallies will likely materialize with little-to-no warning. The protests and related security measures continue to cause 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.
Monitor local media for updates on convoy movements and traffic conditions. Follow local travel advice. Avoid demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services.
In recent weeks, farmers' go-slow protests and road blockades have taken place in Belgium, Cyprus, 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 have also occurred in non-member countries.
