12 Mar 2024 | 12:57 PM UTC
Belgium: Farmers to conduct blockade protests at three ports on March 14
Farmers plan to block the ports of Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge, Belgium, on March 14. Port service and transport disruptions are likely.
Farmers affiliated with the United Young Farmers (Verenigde Jonge Landbouwers) and Farmers Defense Force organizations plan to conduct blockade protests at the ports of Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge on March 14. The purpose of the actions is to denounce EU-wide agricultural policies affecting the agricultural sector. It is unclear how much, if any, freight the demonstrators will allow to enter or exit the affected ports. Port and shipping authorities are reportedly considering legal action aimed at preventing the demonstrations. Organizers did not announce exactly where they planned to demonstrate at each port.
Should the protest plans move forward, port service disruptions, heightened security, and localized transport disruptions will likely occur at the affected ports on March 14. Confrontations or clashes are possible between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, frustrated motorists, or port personnel.
Avoid the affected areas as a standard precaution. Reconfirm all scheduled commercial activity at the ports of Antwerp, Ghent, and Zeebrugge on March 14. Allow additional time if traveling near the impacted ports. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
Farmers continue to protest across the European Union following the beginning of widespread mobilizations in January. Demonstrators largely cite EU agricultural policies as their motive for protesting. Though mostly peaceful, the protests have occasionally resulted in violence.
