17 May 2024 | 12:19 PM UTC
Poland: Farmers likely to continue staging protests nationwide through late May /update 9
Farmers' protests likely to continue across Poland through late May. Increased security, localized disruptions likely. Clashes possible.
Unionized farmers will likely continue to stage go-slow protests and road blockades on major roads and highways across Poland through at least late May as they denounce strict EU environmental standards, imports of Ukrainian agricultural goods, and the current government policies. Protests have reduced in scale and intensity since peaking in early April; however, a major protest march is planned for May 18 in central Warsaw; political activists from the Law and Justice (PiS) will also participate in the event. Minor protests on highways and other regions are possible.
Related protests at border crossings with Poland's neighboring countries, including Ukraine and Germany, ceased on April 29 after authorities refused to extend protest permits. Nonetheless, further farmers' protests are likely nationwide in city centers, major roads, national highways, and at border crossing points. Protests typically take place with little to no warning, including at border crossings.
Although farmers at border blockades mostly target freight trucks, particularly those with Ukrainian license plates, border protests will likely also disrupt other types of cross-border vehicular traffic. Authorities will probably maintain a heightened security posture near affected crossings to monitor the situation and minimize disruptions. Alternate border crossings will likely experience increased congestion.
The protests and related security measures will likely cause severe delays on the affected highways and consequent congestion on nearby diversions. The actions are likely to proceed peacefully. Similar protests are likely on regional highways and in rural towns nationwide in the coming days.
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. Confirm the status of border crossings before traveling or routing shipments; consider using alternative routes to circumvent protest locations. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks set up by protesters; allow police to remove them before proceeding.
