Austria: Environmental activists protesting in central Vienna and at fossil fuel sites, March 27-29 /update 1

Event

Several climate activist groups are protesting against the ongoing European Gas Conference taking place in Vienna March 27-29. Actions are planned for the duration of the conference, though details are likely to be announced at short notice to confound the police response.

As of early March 28, hundreds of activists have converged on the OMV oil refinery at Schwechat and will likely attempt to block access to the site. A demonstration is also planned at Stephansplatz from 17:30 March 28. Additional actions are likely in these and other locations throughout Vienna through March 29.

Demonstrations will also likely be focused around the conference venue in the Parkring area near Theodor-Herzl-Platz. On March 27, activists blocked roads in central Vienna; over 100 protesters were arrested by police for failing to show their identity cards.

Local authorities have implemented increased security measures around the conference venue and are enforcing a ban on demonstrations in the Parkring area through March 29. Additional police will deploy to all gatherings and may attempt to disperse non-compliant activists. The demonstrations themselves and heightened security measures will prompt business and transport disruptions in the affected areas, particularly in the Parkring area. Clashes between activists and security services are likely; police used tear gas to disperse protests on March 27 and will likely continue to deploy robust measures.

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. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in affected areas through March 29; plan alternative routes if necessary.