Germany: Security Conference scheduled in Munich February 14-16

Event

The 56th annual Munich Security Conference is scheduled to take place at the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich from Friday, February 14, to Sunday, February 16. Several head of states and high-profile individuals are expected to attend the event, as such the areas surrounding the hotel will be cordoned off by police. Civil society groups have called for demonstrations against the conference. On Friday, a rally is scheduled at 18:30 (local time) at Gartnerplatz, and on Saturday, another protest is scheduled starting at 13:00 at the Karlsplatz Stachus metro station, prior to marching towards Marienplatz. The protests are likely to be well attended as roughly 4000 protesters were recorded in related demonstrations in previous years.

Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be anticipated throughout the city. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Munich Security Conference is an annual international security policy conference that has taken place since 1963. It is considered the most important independent forum for international security policymakers, with some 500 senior officials from more than 70 countries around the world attending.

Advice

Individuals in Munich are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near the summit venue, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.