12 Sep 2023 | 12:23 PM UTC
Europe: Environmental groups plan protests across the region Sept. 15-17
Climate activists to demonstrate in urban centers across Europe Sept. 15-17; localized disruptions possible.
Event
Climate activists will hold numerous demonstrations in cities across Europe Sept. 15-17. The gatherings are organized as part of the broader international action dubbed "Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels." Multiple civil society groups, including Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion, are planning affiliated or combined events. Demonstrations likely to attract higher attendance and potentially cause disruptions include:
Vienna, Austria: Heldenplatz, Sept. 15 at 12:00
Brussels, Belgium: Central Station, Sept. 17 at 10:00
Copenhagen, Denmark: Enghave Plads, Sept. 16 at 14:00
Helsinki, Finland: Parliament Square, Sept. 15 at 10:00
Berlin, Germany: Brandenburger Tor, Sept. 15 at 12:00
Munich, Germany: Schwanthalerstrasse 80, Sept. 16 at 10:00
Rome, Italy: Piazzale Enrico Mattei, Sept. 15 at 10:00
Oslo, Norway: Radhuset, Sept. 15 at 12:00
Bucharest, Romania: Piața Victoriei, Sept. 15 at 17:00
Madrid, Spain: Plaza Mayor, Sept. 15 at 18:30
Palma, Spain: Plaza Mayor, Sept. 15 at 18:00
Stockholm, Sweden: Medborgarplatsen, Sept. 15 at 12:00
London, UK: Grosvenor Gardens, Sept. 16 at 13:00
Additional events are also scheduled to take place in cities across Europe with varying levels of participation. Demonstrations could involve marches around the given location or through city centers, though event locations are liable to change at short notice due to requests from local authorities.
Any related gatherings are likely to remain peaceful, especially considering that the main organizing groups hope to attract large numbers of schoolchildren to highlight the interests of future generations with regard to climate change. Regardless, police will almost certainly deploy near the larger rallies as a precaution. Localized traffic disruptions are probable. Increased crowding on public transport systems is possible near the larger rally locations.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check local media sources for up-to-date information on local events, and allow extra time for travel in any protest-affected areas Sept. 15-17.