Austria: Climate activists engage in roadblock campaign in central Vienna through mid-July

Event

The climate activist group, Last Generation, will likely escalate a campaign of protests in Vienna through mid-July. The protesters are calling for lower speed limits and an end to fossil fuel investment. Activists temporarily blocked the central Ringstrasse on July 13 before being removed by police; they also protested outside the Parliament building. In recent days, the group has engaged in daily roadblocks and other protests, including spraying paint on business premises associated with fossil fuel investment. Last Generation has called for an increase in protest activity in the coming weeks.

Protesters typically target busy roads in the morning and evening peak travel periods. 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 the protest as a standard precaution. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and consider utilizing alternative routes to circumvent the impacted area. Heed all instructions from security services.