Austria: Climate activists staging roadblock protests in Vienna Jan. 11

Event

Climate activists associated with the group Letzte Generation are staging roadblock protests in Vienna on Jan. 11 to demand that the government take action to reduce fossil fuel use. Roadblock protests are ongoing on Neubaugurtel in both directions and on Europaplatz. Several arrests have been reported, and isolated scuffles between protesters and disgruntled commuters have taken place.

These protests follow similar events in recent days. Further climate-related protests are highly likely in the coming days. Activists typically do not announce protest locations in advance in order to maximize disruption.

Authorities will deploy additional security services to all actions. The demonstrations and related security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized business and transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Public transport in demonstration areas could be canceled or diverted. Lingering disruptions are likely after protests are cleared as traffic flows return to normal. The actions are intended to be peaceful, as most climate activist groups advocate for nonviolent civil disobedience. However, police could resort to forceful methods to disperse activists, and isolated scuffles with disgruntled commuters cannot be ruled out.

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. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in affected areas.