Europe: Environmental groups plan protests across Europe March 19

Event

Climate activists will hold a number of demonstrations in cities across Europe March 19. The gatherings are organized as part of the broader international action dubbed "Fridays for the Future." Multiple high-profile civil society groups have expressed support for the action. Demonstrations likely to attract higher attendance and potentially cause disruptions include:

Austria

• Graz: Mariahilferplatz, 12:00-19:00

• Innsbruck: Landhausplatz, 12:00

• Salzburg: Staatsbrücke, 14:00-15:30

Belgium

• Brussels: Rue de la Loi, 13:00-15:00

France

• Lyon: Place de la Comedie, 14:00

• Montpelier: Promenade du Peyrou, 14:00

Germany

• Berlin: Invalidenstrasse, 12:00-16:00

Netherlands

• The Hague: Hofplein, 16:00

Portugal

• Lisbon: Praca Jose Fontana, 17:30; Praca Martim Moniz, 18:30

Spain

• Barcelona: Arc de Triomf, 1730

Ukraine

• Kyiv: Cabinet of Ministers building, Hrushevsky Street, 10:00-11:00

UK

• London: Parliament Square, 12:00-13:00

Additional events are scheduled to take place in cities throughout Europe with varying levels of participation; the largest actions are likely in major cities, though current restrictions on gatherings arising from measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 mean that many events will take place virtually and have minimal disruptive impact. Physical demonstrations could involve marches around the given location or through city centers, though event locations are liable to change at short notice due to requests from local authorities.

Any related gatherings are likely to remain peaceful, especially considering that the main organizing groups hope to attract large numbers of schoolchildren to highlight the interests of future generations with regard to climate change. Regardless, police will likely deploy near the larger rallies as a precaution. Current COVID-19 measures in place across most of Europe restrict public gatherings, and authorities could shut down or ban protests deemed to be in breach of these restrictions. Localized traffic disruptions are likely. Increased crowding on public transportation systems is possible near the larger rally locations.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local media sources for up-to-date information on local events, and allow extra time for travel in any protest-affected areas March 19.

Resources

Global Climate Strike - Map of Actions