From early Friday morning, dozens of tractors rolled onto several slip roads along Berlin's ring road, the A10, as part of a protest against the European Union’s Mercosur agreement with several Latin American countries.
The action is being led by local farmers who argue that the agreement threatens their livelihoods. According to the organisers, around 40 tractors are involved.
Initially, ten slip roads were to be blocked, but only five are currently affected. The protest is smaller than originally planned due to delays in implementing the trade agreement.
The blockades are expected to last until late afternoon, with disruptions likely between 7 am and 6 pm.
How will drivers be affected by the protest action?
Motorists using the Berlin ring road should prepare for delays and possible detours. The following A10 on-ramps are affected (the off-ramps are expected to remain open):
- Potsdam Nord (towards Havelland and Werder motorway junctions)
- Oberkrämer (towards Havelland junction and southbound)
- Mühlenbeck (northbound and southbound)
- Berlin Marzahn (northbound and southbound)
- Erkner (northbound)
Authorities recommend avoiding these areas if possible, as traffic jams and delays are expected throughout the day. Previous farmer protests on the A10 caused widespread disruption, and today’s action is expected to have a similar impact.
The protest has sparked mixed reactions.
While the Brandenburg Farmers’ Association supports the cause, it has criticised the choice of location, arguing that blocking motorway slip roads is not the most appropriate form of protest.
Meanwhile, Autobahn GmbH, the company responsible for Germany’s motorways, has warned of “significant traffic disruptions” and is advising drivers to seek alternative routes.
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