Europe: Further protests denouncing official policy responses to COVID-19 likely in major cities through at least December /update 2

Event

Sporadic protests will likely continue in cities across Europe through at least the end of December as residents denounce restrictions and other measures imposed to combat COVID-19, including mandatory requirements for vaccinations in some professions and the introduction of COVID passes demonstrating vaccination status to allow entry to some venues. Members of the hospitality industry will likely also continue to demonstrate to denounce the economic impact of government COVID-19 countermeasures. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public transport workers may hold strikes or other forms of labor actions.

Local police will likely monitor protests and related security measures could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruptions. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations, are possible. In addition, though a large proportion of demonstrations involve hospitality workers, the adoption of the COVID-19 issue as a rallying point by both far-left and far-right-wing groups means that some protests could also prompt counterdemonstrations, posing a potential for clashes between rival activists.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues.