Germany: Climate activists continue roadblock campaign in Berlin as of Aug. 12

Event

Environmental activist groups will likely continue a campaign of protests in Berlin through mid-August. As of Aug. 12, the Last Generation group has blocked Kottbusser Tor; police report that activists have glued themselves to the road. The activists demand lower speed limits and other measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Last Generation led a campaign of roadblock protests in Berlin near-daily from mid-April to mid-July, then announced a temporary pause. It is likely that the campaign has restarted. Similar short-notice events are also likely in Berlin and other major urban centers.

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.