Belgium, France: Unionized farmers continue roadblock protests at Belgium's borders Dec. 5 /update 2

Unionized farmers continue to stage roadblock protests on Dec. 5 at Belgium's motorways and at borders with neighboring countries. The FJA (Federation des Jeunes Agriculteurs) union is denouncing the proposed Mercosur trade agreement between the EU and South American countries. The protests started on Dec. 4, but farmers remained in place on Dec. 5. Leaders plan to end the roadblocks at 22:00; however, some disruptions may continue through Dec. 6. Farmers in north-east France have joined the action on Dec. 5 and blocked some autoroutes on the French side of the Belgian border. Farmers are likely to form go-slow convoys to travel between protest sites and may also demonstrate in urban centers.

Local authorities will likely deploy additional police officers to mitigate traffic disruptions. The convoy operations will probably prompt significant congestion in city centers, on major junctions around urban areas, and at national borders. Roadblocks and heightened security may prompt business disruptions; for example, delivery vehicles may not be able to access city center locations. The events will likely pass off peacefully.