08 Oct 2024 | 10:22 AM UTC
Germany: US President to visit Berlin amid tight security Oct. 10-13
Germany to host US Presidential visit in Berlin, Oct. 10-13; extensive security measures, disruptions, protests likely.
US President Joe Biden will arrive in Berlin late Oct. 10 for a state visit. Authorities have released few details regarding Biden's movements while in the city; however, Biden will receive an official welcome from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace on the morning of Oct. 11. Biden will meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz and attend a state banquet later that day. On Oct. 12, Biden and Scholz will travel to the US-operated Ramstein Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate for a Ukraine Defense Contact Group summit. Biden will depart the country on Oct. 13. Authorities will implement exceptional security measures throughout Berlin to facilitate the visit; several security measures were implemented as of Oct. 8, including security barriers around Bellevue Palace and Brandenburg Gate.
Authorities will almost certainly implement strict security cordons and road closures around convoy routes and the meeting venues. 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. 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.
A number of protests have been announced. Peace activists will protest in front of the US Embassy at the Brandenburg Gate from 18:00 on Oct. 10. A separate group of activists will march from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate on Oct. 11; however, further details remain unclear. 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. 10-13. 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 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.
