Europe: Further protests denouncing official policy responses to COVID-19 likely in major European cities through mid-2022 /update 5

Event

Sporadic protests against official COVID-19 measures will likely continue in cities across Europe through mid-2022 despite the lifting of restrictions in most countries. Activists again took part in a coordinated "World Wide Rally for Freedom" action March 19-22 in several European cities, and local activists continue to organize regular demonstrations in town and city centers. The frequency of and attendance at these demonstrations is likely to decline over time. However, any reintroduction of measures in response to rising infection rates would likely prompt a spike in unrest in those jurisdictions.

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, and healthcare workers will likely continue to demonstrate over increased strain on health services. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public sector 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.