Update: 30.01.2024
Farmers in France continued their protests from last week, placing multiple roadblocks yesterday, 29 January, on some of the country's key highways. In addition, several streets in Paris witnessed significant transport restrictions.
The protests have been impacting the country for nearly a week. France's farmers, who produce the most agricultural goods in the EU, claim they are underpaid and constrained by excessive environmental protection regulations.
Italy witnessed similar protests today as convoys of vehicles drove slowly on major routes. According to a Crisis24 report, the A1 motorway near Orte, north of Rome, and the roads surrounding Milan have been affected the most. However, there are demonstrations in every region, including Sardinia.
Kuehne+Nagel expects the disruptions to remain for the next few days, as protestors are yet to announce an end to their strikes.
Protests spill over to Belgium
In addition to disrupting traffic close to the Dutch borders, farmers in Belgium announced they will move to to block access roads to the Zeebrugge container port.
Reporting local news, Reuters said access to the country's second-largest port could be blocked for up to 36 hours.
Yesterday, the protests intensified in Brussels and Antwerp, home of the country's main port. Disruptions in the area are likely to continue, and delays in port operations and freight transport are to be expected.
Original article: 26.01.2024
On Thursday, multiple highways in France were blocked by protesting farmers. One of the main roads links Paris with the northern city of Lille and Belgium.
Using their tractors, farmers started placing roadblocks on main streets in the country yesterday to protest the prime minister's agricultural policies.
According to a Reuters report, one of the unions plans to set up 11 roadblocks on the main commuter axes around Paris.
The French unions have not announced an end date for the current strikes, which will likely grow further.
Disruption to cargo movement and convoys of slow-moving vehicles will likely occur in major cities.
For more information, please get in touch with your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.
