Netherlands: Agricultural workers to protest nationwide July 4

Event

Agricultural workers in the Netherlands plan to stage a new nationwide protest campaign on July 4. The purpose of the action is to denounce proposed government nitrogen reduction policies that farmers assert would negatively impact their sector. On June 28, farmers gathered in The Hague as the nation's House of Representatives voted on proposals to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants.

Protesting farmers plan to conduct go-slow convoys along various thoroughfares across the country as part of their campaign. Although organizers will not announce specific assembly points, start times, or routes until a few hours before departure, targeted highways could include the A2, A7, A9, A12, A15, A28, and A50. During earlier protests over the issue, activists also set fire to hay bales next to major highways prompting significant traffic congestion; similar acts are possible during the July 4 demonstrations. Nevertheless, organizers have stated that participants will not impede the movement of emergency vehicles.

Protesters also specifically plan to target access routes leading to supermarket distribution centers and the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a number of major airports including Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Rotterdam (RTM), Eindhoven (EIN), and Lelystad (LEY). Participating farmers may also gather near government buildings in The Hague, using tractors and other farm vehicles, as well as large livestock, to block nearby roads.

Local authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security to monitor protest-related gatherings and reduce their potential impact. Officials have issued orders prohibiting demonstrators from blocking major travel routes; police could move swiftly and decisively to disperse protesters who fail to comply with the instruction, potentially resulting in localized clashes.

Advice

Check traffic conditions prior to travel; allow extra time to complete journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Use local commuter rail or subway services, where available, to travel between major airports and city centers on July 4; confirm flight and public transport schedules.