Germany: Climate activists continue roadblock campaign in Berlin and other urban centers nationwide, through mid-June /update 4

Event

Environmental activist groups will likely continue a campaign of protests in major urban centers across Germany in the coming days. The campaign of roadblock protests in Berlin has continued near-daily since mid-April. Similar short-notice events are likely in other major urban centers through mid-June. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The Last Generation group is also organizing separate demonstrations against authorities' treatment of some protesters. These demonstrations are planned in public spaces, not as roadblocks.

As of June 14, the Fridays for Future group also plans a major demonstration in Berlin, June 16. Attendees will gather at 14:00 at the headquarters of the FDP (Free Democratic Party), and then march to the Chancellery. Several thousand may take part in the event, based on previous demonstrations. It is possible that the Last Generation group may coordinate or escalate their roadblock protests, June 16, to coincide with the Fridays for Future demonstration. The FDP is one of the four parties in Germany's ruling coaltion.

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.