14 Feb 2024 | 12:46 PM UTC
Moldova: Farmers' protests likely ongoing nationwide through mid-February /update 1
Farmers' roadblock protests are ongoing across Moldova through mid-February. Road travel, border crossing disruptions likely.
Protests by farmers' unions and agricultural groups are ongoing nationwide through mid-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. 14, the most significant disruptions are likely at the Leuseni border crossing with Romania. Regional farmers' groups have planned the following further protests: on the Cahul to Cantemir road (R34), and on the roads around Orhei, Criuleni, Falesti, Soroca, and Telenesti. Protests are also reportedly affecting the border crossing points of Costesti-Stanca and Cahul-Oancea. Other roadblock protests are likely nationwide, including in town centers and major routes.
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 the 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 occured in non-member countries.
