Europe: Various activist groups to protest in European cities May 1 to commemorate International Workers' Day

Event

Various activist groups plan to protest in major cities across Europe May 1 to commemorate International Workers' Day (May Day). Actions are most likely in form of static gatherings or marches through city centers, with likely locations including central squares, major thoroughfares, and outside government offices. Activist groups and labor unions could also stage deliberately disruptive actions such as roadblock protests and strikes. Large demonstrations likely to cause significant disruption are confirmed in the following locations:

• Brussels, Belgium: Kuntsberg/Mont-des-Arts, 13:00

• Lyon, France: Place Jean Mace, 10:30

• Nice, France: Jardin Albert 1er, 10:30

• Paris, France: Place de la Republique, 14:30

• Berlin, Germany: Hertzbergplatz to Oranienplatz, 16:30

• Hamburg, Germany: Heussweg, 10:30

• Athens, Greece: Klafthmonos Square, 11:00 and Syntagma Square, 13:30

• Barcelona, Spain: Placa de Catalunya, 11:30

• Madrid, Spain: Gran Via 1 to Plaza de Espana, 12:00

• Ankara, Turkey: Tandogan Square, 14:00

• Istanbul, Turkey: Maltepe Rally Ground, 13:00

• Izmir, Turkey: Gundogdu Square, 13:00

• London, UK: March from Clerkenwell Green to Trafalgar Square starting at 12:00

Attendance will vary by location but will be in the thousands at larger gatherings; some cities are likely to host multiple demonstrations. Further demonstrations are planned in cities in addition to those listed above. Related protests are possible April 30-May 2.

Additional police will likely deploy to all major gatherings. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in demonstration areas; public transport could be canceled or diverted. Isolated clashes between police and protesters are possible, particularly at demonstrations organized by radical left-wing groups or if activists attempt to breach security cordons. Security services in some locations are likely to use riot control measures such as tear gas and water cannon against unruly crowds. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face a significant indirect threat of harm.

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. Monitor local media for up-to-date information on demonstrations and related transport disruptions; allow extra time for travel in affected locations.