13
Feb 2025
12:28 UTC
Germany Tactical: Munich Security Conference, associated protests slated to be held in Munich on February 14-16; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation
- The annual Munich Security Conference (MSC) is scheduled to take place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in central Munich on February 14-16.
- The event will see the participation of more than 60 heads of state, foreign and defense ministers, prominent opinion leaders, as well as international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Notable attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President J.D. Vance.
- Authorities will implement a security cordon in the vicinity of the conference venues from 05:00 (local time) on February 14 to 15:00 on February 16. Around 5,000 police officers will be deployed in the area. Additional information on the security areas can be found here (in German).
- Streets affected by the security area include Karmelitstrasse, Promenadestrasse, Prannerstrasse, Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse, Hartmannstrasse, and parts of Pacellistrasse, Maffeistrasse, Salvatorstrasse and Salvatorplatz.
- Security measures will be heightened citywide, including on public transport and near major transit hubs. Munich’s central airspace will be closed to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Additionally, tram services to Lenbachplatz, Marienplatz, National Theater, and Kammerspiele will be suspended. Tram lines 19 and 21 will operate on modified routes. Parking restrictions will apply in multiple areas of central Munich. Further information on tram services can be found here. (In German)
Source: Polizei Bayern
- Additionally, reports suggest that over 40 demonstrations have been registered to take place in the city throughout MSC, a notably larger number than in recent years. Details regarding some of the prominent and known protests are as follows:
- Additionally, reports suggest that over 40 demonstrations have been registered to take place in the city throughout MSC, a notably larger number than in recent years. Details regarding some of the prominent and known protests are as follows:
- A demonstration planned by pro-Iranian government activists is slated to take place at Odeonsplatz in Munich at 10:00 on February 14.
Source: X/Twitter
- A demonstration planned by pro-Iranian government activists is slated to take place at Odeonsplatz in Munich at 10:00 on February 14.
Source: X/Twitter
- A pro-Palestinian protest has been slated to take place at Karolinenplatz in Munich on February 15. The exact time of the protest is yet to be announced. The demonstrators will be making a loop around the security cordons surrounding the hotel and returning to Karolinenplatz.
- The protest is being called to denounce pro-Israel delegates who will be speaking at the MSC.
Source: SZ
- A pro-Palestinian protest has been slated to take place at Karolinenplatz in Munich on February 15. The exact time of the protest is yet to be announced. The demonstrators will be making a loop around the security cordons surrounding the hotel and returning to Karolinenplatz.
- The protest is being called to denounce pro-Israel delegates who will be speaking at the MSC.
Source: SZ
- Activists associated with the left-wing youth group Neue Demokratische Jugend are slated to hold a protest at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: X/Twitter
- Activists associated with the left-wing youth group Neue Demokratische Jugend are slated to hold a protest at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: X/Twitter
- Anti-NATO activists are slated to hold a protest march starting at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
- The protesters will march toward Marienplatz where they will join other anti-government groups at approximately 15:30.
Group: Antisiko
- Anti-NATO activists are slated to hold a protest march starting at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
- The protesters will march toward Marienplatz where they will join other anti-government groups at approximately 15:30.
Group: Antisiko
- Anti-government activists associated with the group Macht Frieden will hold a protest under the slogan “Peace Elections” at 14:00 at Konigsplatz on February 15.
Source: Macht-Frieden
- Anti-government activists associated with the group Macht Frieden will hold a protest under the slogan “Peace Elections” at 14:00 at Konigsplatz on February 15.
Source: Macht-Frieden
- Pro-Ukrainian activists are slated to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: Youtube
- Pro-Ukrainian activists are slated to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: Youtube
- Left-wing activists associated with multiple groups, including the Foderation Klassenkampferischer Organisationen (FKO), are calling for large-scale protests against the MSC on February 15.
- However, the details regarding the exact timing and location of this protest is not yet confirmed.
Source: Fkoonline
- Left-wing activists associated with multiple groups, including the Foderation Klassenkampferischer Organisationen (FKO), are calling for large-scale protests against the MSC on February 15.
- However, the details regarding the exact timing and location of this protest is not yet confirmed.
Source: Fkoonline
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the protests are anticipated to witness a combined turnout ranging in the low-to-mid tens of thousands. In addition to the aforementioned protests, spontaneous and short-notice rallies related to the MSC are also likely to take place in Munich and other major urban centers in Germany.
- While previous protests were largely peaceful, judging by heightened sentiments over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, these demonstrations carry an elevated potential for unrest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police. Given the increased presence of far-left groups in Munich, the risk is especially elevated as these groups often participate in pro-Palestinian and anti-government demonstrations and are known to target police.
- In the event of widespread unrest, authorities are likely to resort to forcible crowd dispersal methods, including using tear gas and conducting mass arrests.
- Additionally, against the backdrop of the February 13 suspected vehicular ramming attack at Dachauer Strasse in Munich, authorities are expected to further heighten the security measures in central Munich as a precaution. The potential measures could include erecting bollards and concrete barriers, as well as implementing restricted vehicle zones, surveillance systems, and rapid response teams.
- Moreover, airport disruptions, including delays and zone closures, can be anticipated at the Munich Airport (MUC) due to the security measures surrounding the arrival and departure of senior state leaders attending the conference from February 13 onwards.
- Significant disruptions to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as public transportation, are anticipated in the vicinity of the abovementioned locations and throughout the city center. Moreover, authorities are liable to implement road closures and traffic diversions
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Munich on February 14-16 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of demonstrations linked to the Munich Security Conference.
- Allot for disruptions to travel throughout central Munich due to the associated road closures and traffic restrictions.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Munich, Germany
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation
- The annual Munich Security Conference (MSC) is scheduled to take place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in central Munich on February 14-16.
- The event will see the participation of more than 60 heads of state, foreign and defense ministers, prominent opinion leaders, as well as international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Notable attendees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President J.D. Vance.
- Authorities will implement a security cordon in the vicinity of the conference venues from 05:00 (local time) on February 14 to 15:00 on February 16. Around 5,000 police officers will be deployed in the area. Additional information on the security areas can be found here (in German).
- Streets affected by the security area include Karmelitstrasse, Promenadestrasse, Prannerstrasse, Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse, Hartmannstrasse, and parts of Pacellistrasse, Maffeistrasse, Salvatorstrasse and Salvatorplatz.
- Security measures will be heightened citywide, including on public transport and near major transit hubs. Munich’s central airspace will be closed to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Additionally, tram services to Lenbachplatz, Marienplatz, National Theater, and Kammerspiele will be suspended. Tram lines 19 and 21 will operate on modified routes. Parking restrictions will apply in multiple areas of central Munich. Further information on tram services can be found here. (In German)
Source: Polizei Bayern
- Additionally, reports suggest that over 40 demonstrations have been registered to take place in the city throughout MSC, a notably larger number than in recent years. Details regarding some of the prominent and known protests are as follows:
- Additionally, reports suggest that over 40 demonstrations have been registered to take place in the city throughout MSC, a notably larger number than in recent years. Details regarding some of the prominent and known protests are as follows:
- A demonstration planned by pro-Iranian government activists is slated to take place at Odeonsplatz in Munich at 10:00 on February 14.
Source: X/Twitter
- A demonstration planned by pro-Iranian government activists is slated to take place at Odeonsplatz in Munich at 10:00 on February 14.
Source: X/Twitter
- A pro-Palestinian protest has been slated to take place at Karolinenplatz in Munich on February 15. The exact time of the protest is yet to be announced. The demonstrators will be making a loop around the security cordons surrounding the hotel and returning to Karolinenplatz.
- The protest is being called to denounce pro-Israel delegates who will be speaking at the MSC.
Source: SZ
- A pro-Palestinian protest has been slated to take place at Karolinenplatz in Munich on February 15. The exact time of the protest is yet to be announced. The demonstrators will be making a loop around the security cordons surrounding the hotel and returning to Karolinenplatz.
- The protest is being called to denounce pro-Israel delegates who will be speaking at the MSC.
Source: SZ
- Activists associated with the left-wing youth group Neue Demokratische Jugend are slated to hold a protest at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: X/Twitter
- Activists associated with the left-wing youth group Neue Demokratische Jugend are slated to hold a protest at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: X/Twitter
- Anti-NATO activists are slated to hold a protest march starting at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
- The protesters will march toward Marienplatz where they will join other anti-government groups at approximately 15:30.
Group: Antisiko
- Anti-NATO activists are slated to hold a protest march starting at Karlsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
- The protesters will march toward Marienplatz where they will join other anti-government groups at approximately 15:30.
Group: Antisiko
- Anti-government activists associated with the group Macht Frieden will hold a protest under the slogan “Peace Elections” at 14:00 at Konigsplatz on February 15.
Source: Macht-Frieden
- Anti-government activists associated with the group Macht Frieden will hold a protest under the slogan “Peace Elections” at 14:00 at Konigsplatz on February 15.
Source: Macht-Frieden
- Pro-Ukrainian activists are slated to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: Youtube
- Pro-Ukrainian activists are slated to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz at 13:00 on February 15.
Source: Youtube
- Left-wing activists associated with multiple groups, including the Foderation Klassenkampferischer Organisationen (FKO), are calling for large-scale protests against the MSC on February 15.
- However, the details regarding the exact timing and location of this protest is not yet confirmed.
Source: Fkoonline
- Left-wing activists associated with multiple groups, including the Foderation Klassenkampferischer Organisationen (FKO), are calling for large-scale protests against the MSC on February 15.
- However, the details regarding the exact timing and location of this protest is not yet confirmed.
Source: Fkoonline
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the protests are anticipated to witness a combined turnout ranging in the low-to-mid tens of thousands. In addition to the aforementioned protests, spontaneous and short-notice rallies related to the MSC are also likely to take place in Munich and other major urban centers in Germany.
- While previous protests were largely peaceful, judging by heightened sentiments over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, these demonstrations carry an elevated potential for unrest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police. Given the increased presence of far-left groups in Munich, the risk is especially elevated as these groups often participate in pro-Palestinian and anti-government demonstrations and are known to target police.
- In the event of widespread unrest, authorities are likely to resort to forcible crowd dispersal methods, including using tear gas and conducting mass arrests.
- Additionally, against the backdrop of the February 13 suspected vehicular ramming attack at Dachauer Strasse in Munich, authorities are expected to further heighten the security measures in central Munich as a precaution. The potential measures could include erecting bollards and concrete barriers, as well as implementing restricted vehicle zones, surveillance systems, and rapid response teams.
- Moreover, airport disruptions, including delays and zone closures, can be anticipated at the Munich Airport (MUC) due to the security measures surrounding the arrival and departure of senior state leaders attending the conference from February 13 onwards.
- Significant disruptions to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as public transportation, are anticipated in the vicinity of the abovementioned locations and throughout the city center. Moreover, authorities are liable to implement road closures and traffic diversions
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Munich on February 14-16 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of demonstrations linked to the Munich Security Conference.
- Allot for disruptions to travel throughout central Munich due to the associated road closures and traffic restrictions.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Munich, Germany
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
Germany
-
PoliticsGermany Tactical: Federal elections slated to be held nationwide on February 23; maintain heightened vigilance -
Labor ActionGermany Tactical: Unionized staff at Cologne-Bonn (CGN), Dusseldorf (DUS) Airports to strike on February 23-24; reconfirm itineraries -
ProtestGermany Tactical: Anti-austerity protest slated in front of Rotes Rathaus, Berlin from 14:00 (local time) on February 22; maintain heightened vigilance -
DevelopingGermany Tactical: Suspicious object prompts closure of Domplatte in Cologne as of late morning hours (local time) on February 21; avoid nonessential travel
Related Reports
Germany
-
PoliticsGermany Tactical: Federal elections slated to be held nationwide on February 23; maintain heightened vigilance
-
Labor ActionGermany Tactical: Unionized staff at Cologne-Bonn (CGN), Dusseldorf (DUS) Airports to strike on February 23-24; reconfirm itineraries
-
ProtestGermany Tactical: Anti-austerity protest slated in front of Rotes Rathaus, Berlin from 14:00 (local time) on February 22; maintain heightened vigilance
-
DevelopingGermany Tactical: Suspicious object prompts closure of Domplatte in Cologne as of late morning hours (local time) on February 21; avoid nonessential travel