22 Feb 2024 | 10:25 AM UTC
Slovakia: Farmers protesting nationwide, Feb. 22
Farmers protest ongoing across Slovakia Feb. 22; increased security, road travel and business disruptions likely.
Farmers represented by the Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber (SPPK) and the Agrarian Chamber of Slovakia (AKS) are protesting nationwide on Feb. 22. Participants are expressing dissatisfaction with the agricultural policies of the European Union. Protesting farmers are causing delays in central Bratislava and at the Czech Republic-Slovakia border crossing points of Hodonin-Holic. Protests are ongoing in several major roads in Slovakia, including the R7 expressway, and the Road 64.
Road travel disruptions are ongoing near protest sites. Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence to locations affected by the demonstrations. While most gatherings and tractor convoys will probably remain largely peaceful, confrontations between police officers or frustrated motorists and protesting farmers cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all protest locations as a standard precaution. Confirm route status before driving in affected areas; allow significant extra time to reach destinations. Plan accordingly for increased employee absenteeism during the protest campaign, especially if truckers do indeed join the action; consider a liberal telecommuting policy, if possible.
