Europe: Further protests denouncing official policy responses to COVID-19 likely in major cities through early 2022 /update 4

Event

Sporadic protests against official COVID-19 measures will likely continue in cities across Europe through early 2022 following the reintroduction and intensification of restrictions in some countries. Many governments have expanded measures - including nationwide lockdowns, selective mandatory vaccines, and the requirement for COVID passes to access some venues – as a result of sharply increasing case numbers and out of fear of health services being overwhelmed over the winter. This has prompted large-scale protests around the region which have occasionally escalated to violence. On Jan. 22-23, activists took part in an event called the "World Wide Rally for Freedom" which saw coordinated protests in several European cities. Further large-scale protests are likely in the coming weeks, particularly in those jurisdictions with stricter COVID-19 restrictions; demonstrations could happen at short notice in response to the announcement of any new measures.

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; police around the region are typically able to contain significant escalations of violence and related disruption, though could react with non-lethal crowd-control measures, including tear gas, water cannon, baton rounds, and baton charges, which all have the potential to cause serious injury. In addition, 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, increasing the potential for clashes between rival activists. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant incidental threat.

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.

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.