15 Oct 2024 | 04:49 PM UTC
Germany: US President Joe Biden to visit Berlin amid tight security Oct. 17-18
Germany to host US presidential visit in Berlin Oct. 17-18; extensive security measures, disruptions, protests likely.
US President Joe Biden's rescheduled visit to Berlin will take place from late Oct. 17 to Oct. 18. Despite being a truncated visit, authorities will likely impose exceptional security measures throughout Berlin to facilitate Biden's trip. Officials have released few details regarding Biden's movements while in the city; however, Biden will meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Oct. 18. The meetings could take place at the Bellevue Palace, the German Chancellery, or the Reichstag building. A previously scheduled visit and summit at the US-operated Ramstein Air Base will not take place. Biden will likely depart the country late on Oct. 18. Authorities will likely begin implementing security measures well in advance of Biden's visit, possibly as early as Oct. 16.
Officials will deploy a heavy police presence and implement strict security cordons and road closures around convoy routes and potential meeting venues. Authorities may also set up security barriers around the Brandenburg Gate. Police will restrict access to accredited individuals only. Authorities will likely impose additional security measures at airports and other major transport hubs, including rail stations. S-Bahn trains will experience significant disruptions, including service cancellations and suspensions at various times. Regional and long-distance trains may also experience disruptions; access to Berlin Central Station may be restricted. Airspace may be closed over the city for short durations, prompting flight disruptions. Enhanced US security arrangements may involve the temporary electronic jamming of mobile telecommunications and satellite navigation systems.
Protests denouncing Biden's visit are likely. Anti-war activists have announced plans to demonstrate outside the US Embassy at the Brandenburg Gate on Oct. 17 to denounce Biden's visit and the proposed deployment of medium-range US missiles in Germany. Additional police will deploy to monitor all gatherings; related security measures, such as road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized business and transport disruptions in surrounding areas.
Confirm all travel arrangements if operating in Berlin Oct. 17-18. Allow considerable extra time for travel as increased security measures will cause transport disruptions. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions, and plan to take alternative routes if necessary. Verify appointments as business closures could occur with little notice. Avoid any demonstrations that occur. Heed all instructions from security services.
