Climate activists occupied the University of Amsterdam’s Roeterseiland Complex late May 16. Student groups demonstrated throughout the building before announcing plans to occupy the grounds overnight and into May 17. Participants demand that the University end commitments to fossil fuel and divest funding for programs that encourage CO2 emissions.
Anticipate severe travel disruptions throughout Denmark on May 15 due to a nationwide truck drivers’ strike. Participants are expected to blockade the major highways and roads leading in and out of Copenhagen, an action authorities have already declared as illegal. Clashes between protesters and police are likely.
The Fuego Volcano, located 25 miles from Guatemala City, began erupting on May 4, forcing evacuations in surrounding communities. The eruption remains ongoing and could force flight cancellations should the ash cloud switch direction towards the city. Authorities have closed the RN-14 highway and are warning of the possibility of mudslides due to an upcoming rainstorm.
This month, our team of analysts recapped major events from around the world, including:
– Two vehicle rammings that took place on April 7 and 24 in Tel Aviv, Israel, one of which severely injured five tourists.
– Environmental protests from April 21-24 led by Extinction Rebellion in London, UK, which caused widespread disruptions throughout the city.
– A new round of anti-pension reform protests beginning May 6 in France, which will result in widespread airport and rail cancellations across the country, with Vueling Airlines likely to see mass groundings.
May Day protests spread across Europe on May 1, disrupting travel in France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. French unions have taken to the streets in Paris to demand an end to pension reform. Protesters in Italy, UK, and Germany have reached the hundreds of thousands, and are expected to disrupt access to health, public transport, and national monuments through May 2.
A vehicle ramming in Tel Aviv has caused delays and heightened security on April 7. At least 1 person is confirmed killed, with around 5 others seriously injured. The suspect drove his car through a pedestrian lane at the Charles Clore Park, striking many tourists and being shot and killed by police after a brief encounter. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu has called up border reserves to increase security.
On April 6, a 24-hour rail worker strike will cause travel disruptions throughout Portugal. Rail and train cancellations will likely cause congested roadways. Protests associated with the strike may occur, likely at train stations.
Train services are temporarily suspended between The Hague and Leiden after a deadly train collision in Voorschoten, Netherlands in the early morning hours of April 4. The train collided with a construction crane, causing it to derail and catch fire. One person was killed and an estimated 40 others were injured.
On April 8, the French Air Traffic Control will strike in protest of pension reform, causing all flights navigating through French airspace to be cancelled. Flights to or from any French, Irish, UK, or Spanish airport are subject to cancellation.
On April 5, members of the Argentinian labor rights group Piquetera Unit (Unidad Piquetera) will hold nationwide demonstrations to demand improved salaries and benefits. Organizers claim that demonstrations will take places in 135 cities across the nation, including the capital, Buenos Aires. Protestors are expected to block major roadways and may clash with police.
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