A decision long-awaited by the rail freight industry: Rotterdam has banned a protest by pro-Palestine and climate activists on the port railway. Earlier demonstrations caused extensive financial damage for companies offering services in the most sustainable mode of transport.
Some 700 to 1000 people were expected to attend the protest scheduled for tomorrow, 27 June. Despite Rotterdam’s requests, the protest group ‘Geef Tegengas’ has not provided the city with any information on their plans.
Rotterdam has opted not to allow the protest on the grounds of the “limited information landscape, a lack of contact with the organiser, the size of the [port] area and the present safety risks in relation to health protection, in the interest of traffic/traffic safety and for combatting or preventing public disruptions”.
The activists are banned from organising protests on the railways, (LNG) terminals, at the sites of (petro)chemical and industrial enterprises, in the vicinity of gas pipelines above ground, sites that provide access to subterranean pipe networks and in various waterways.
Violators of the ban could face fines of up to 5,500 euros or a jail sentence of up to two months.
Millions in damages
Geef Tegengas and other activists have repeatedly blocked Dutch freight railways. They started in 2025, but stepped up their game in 2026. Their protests have caused extensive financial losses, reaching into the millions of euros. While the activists rejoiced in what they see as success, the rail freight industry chose to approach the Dutch national government for a resolution in May.