Brussels, Belgium. Brussels’ peaceful routine was abruptly disrupted Monday morning when farmers took to the streets in a protest that caused major road closures. The mobilization of farmers in response to the demands led to considerable disruptions on the country’s road network, particularly at the entrance to Brussels, according to a report from the federal road police.
Around 9 a.m., blockages were reported on the Brussels ring road at Ruisbroek in the direction of Waterloo. Traffic was significantly slowed down, with only the emergency lane remaining passable.
Traffic problems persisted on the two outer rings near Halle as farmers continued their blockade. This led to commuters experiencing delays of up to an hour due to the resulting traffic jams. The Flemish Traffic Center (Verkeerscentrum) advised people to avoid the area if possible, emphasizing the severity of the disruption.
Katrien Kiekens from the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency (Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer) highlighted how access to the ring road from the E429 from Tournai had become “extremely difficult” due to this situation.
The farmers’ protest in Belgium led to a blockade in Halle, located in the Flemish Brabant region. This demonstration is part of a movement of farmers across the roads of the north of the country.
Guillaume Van Binst, secretary general of the Federation of Young Farmers (FJA), announced that the blockade of the E19 in Halle would continue until the end of the day. The demonstration began on Sunday around 11:30 p.m. Farmers started rotating shifts since Monday morning. Van Binst explained that whether they continue or not depends on how their demands are handled, implying that negotiations will determine whether the protest will spread further.
In the province of Walloon Brabant, traffic was disrupted when the authorities closed the A7/E19 motorway towards Brussels near Haut Ittre. A diversion has been established via the ring towards Zaventem. In addition, tractors entered Brussels itself, considerably increasing awareness and visibility of this protest movement.
The unrest was not limited to Brussels. In the provinces, a convoy of tractors caused disruption at the Daussoulx interchange, a major motorway intersection, interrupting traffic on the A4 E411 towards Brussels. Similar blockades and diversions were reported in other provinces, including Luxembourg and Hainaut, where tractors formed blockades at critical points such as border crossings with France.
The protests taking place across the country highlight how deeply the farming community feels their grievances and their deep desire to be heard. Throughout the day, as the blockade continues, its effects are felt throughout Belgium. It is not only commuters who are affected, but also everyone who participates in agricultural policy discussions.
While negotiations are ongoing and farmers remain determined, the entire nation eagerly awaits a solution that can ease tensions and restore the road network.
Originally published in The European Times.
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