European agricultural organizations have announced plans for a large-scale farmers’ protest in Brussels from the evening of December 17 through December 18. The demonstration is expected to draw over 10,000 participants and will significantly affect downtown traffic, including car, bus, and tram routes. Authorities warn that roadblocks may occur between Zaventem Airport and European Union institutions near Schuman Square.
The schedule for the protest begins with a gathering at Boulevard Roi Albert II (Brussels North Station) at 9:00 am on Thursday, December 18. The march will proceed via Botanique and Rue de la Loi, arriving at Place Luxembourg around 2:30 pm. The event is expected to conclude by 5:00 pm at Place Luxembourg.
U.S. citizens in Belgium are advised to remain vigilant during this period. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, "U.S. citizens should be aware that demonstrations and protests remain a common phenomenon in Belgium. While Belgian authorities often supply suitable security, it can be difficult to know when even the most peaceful protest may result in violence. Large scale demonstrations, in particular, may prove disruptive to traffic patterns, business operations and sometimes result in conflicts between protestors and/or with police." The embassy further advises that "U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a heightened sense of awareness while in public. Spontaneous protests can occur, and crowds may move in unexpected directions. Maintaining good situational awareness is key to avoiding being caught in a situation with the escalating potential for danger."
Recommended actions include avoiding large demonstrations, staying alert to surroundings, carrying a cellphone programmed with local emergency numbers (Ambulance and Fire Brigade: 100; Europe-wide emergency number (police): 112), exercising caution near gatherings or protests, following instructions from authorities regarding closures or detours, monitoring local media for updates, and keeping a low profile.
The U.S. Embassy encourages American travelers or residents in Belgium to sign up for safety alerts through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov.
For more information about travel to Belgium or assistance services provided by the U.S. Embassy—including contact details—visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html.
The embassy also provides consular support at its location on Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan in Brussels during regular business hours as well as after-hours emergency contact options for U.S. citizens.