Austria: Likely disruptive protests by climate activists through early August /update 1

Event

The climate activist group, Last Generation, will likely continue a campaign of protests nationwide, including in Vienna, through early August. The protesters are calling for lower speed limits and an end to fossil fuel investment. Activists temporarily blocked the A13 motorway between Brenner Pass and the Innsbruck on July 29. Similar actions, including roadblocks and spraying paint on business premises associated with fossil fuel investment, took place in recent weeks, including in Vienna.

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.