Germany: Climate activists continue roadblock campaign in Berlin and other urban centers nationwide, through early July

Event

Environmental activist groups will likely continue a campaign of protests in major urban centers across Germany in coming days. The Last Generation group has led a campaign of roadblock protests in Berlin near-daily since mid-April. Similar short-notice events are also likely in other major urban centers through early July. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. As of June 26, the protesters have adapted their tactics to include slow-marching along roads, as well as sit-down demonstrations. The campaign group has declared a three-week summer pause in their protests, starting July 15.

The Last Generation group may also hold separate short-notice demonstrations against authorities' treatment of some protesters. These demonstrations are typically in public spaces and in front of government buildings, rather than roadblocks.

Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning peak travel period. The protests occur without warning and target major city roads, ring roads, and airport access roads. Protests typically last for 30 minutes to one hour before police remove protestors. Activists increasingly glue themselves to road surfaces to slow response operations. Alternatively, protesters may march slowly along busy roads, creating traffic congestion without forming a static roadblock. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes, and congestion will likely build on surrounding routes. While protesters are unlikely to act violently, security services may resort to forceful methods to disperse protests; additionally, scuffles between protesters and frustrated motorists are possible. Activists may also conduct civil disobedience at government buildings or fossil fuel-related businesses. Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the gatherings.

Advice

Avoid all protest sites if possible. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and plan alternative routes if necessary. Heed instructions from security services and do not attempt to pass through roadblocks.