30
Dec 2024
11:42 UTC
Europe Tactical: Authorities to implement traffic restrictions, security measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations regionwide on December 31-January 1; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation
- Authorities regionwide have increased security measures and implemented traffic restrictions due to New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31- January 1. Details are as follows:
- In Belgium, authorities in Brussels and Antwerp have implemented various security measures due to violent unrest and criminal activity in previous years. In Antwerp, authorities have implemented house arrest measures for individuals previously involved in violence, in effect from 18:00 (local time) on December 31 until the morning of January 2. The measures affect 47 individuals.
Source : EUTODAY
- In Belgium, authorities in Brussels and Antwerp have implemented various security measures due to violent unrest and criminal activity in previous years. In Antwerp, authorities have implemented house arrest measures for individuals previously involved in violence, in effect from 18:00 (local time) on December 31 until the morning of January 2. The measures affect 47 individuals.
Source : EUTODAY
- In Brussels, a ban on firecrackers has been put in place. All police units in the capital region will be under unified command for New Year’s Eve. In addition, a 19:00 curfew for individuals under 16 years of age will be in effect in the Cureghem district of the Anderlecht commune. The curfew does not apply to minors accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Source: Brussels Times
- In Brussels, a ban on firecrackers has been put in place. All police units in the capital region will be under unified command for New Year’s Eve. In addition, a 19:00 curfew for individuals under 16 years of age will be in effect in the Cureghem district of the Anderlecht commune. The curfew does not apply to minors accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Source: Brussels Times
- In Paris, France, 10,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the city as part of heightened security measures. The fireworks display on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees will result in the area being sealed off to motorized traffic starting at 15:00 on December 31. Pedestrian access in the vicinity will be strictly controlled and limited to designated entry points, where law enforcement personnel will conduct security screenings to ensure public safety.
- In addition, transport disruptions are scheduled to affect several metro and Reseau Express Regional d’Ile-de-France (RER) lines starting at 15:00 on December 31. Further details regarding the disruptions are available here (in French).
Source: BFM
- In Paris, France, 10,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the city as part of heightened security measures. The fireworks display on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees will result in the area being sealed off to motorized traffic starting at 15:00 on December 31. Pedestrian access in the vicinity will be strictly controlled and limited to designated entry points, where law enforcement personnel will conduct security screenings to ensure public safety.
- In addition, transport disruptions are scheduled to affect several metro and Reseau Express Regional d’Ile-de-France (RER) lines starting at 15:00 on December 31. Further details regarding the disruptions are available here (in French).
Source: BFM
- In Germany, enhanced security measures, including increased police presence, stricter controls, and the establishment of extensive no-go zones, will be implemented nationwide to prevent riots. In Berlin, authorities have announced designated zones prohibiting weapons, knives, and firecrackers to mitigate the risk of injuries and attacks on rescue workers during New Year’s Eve. The ban will be in effect from 18:00 on December 31 to 18:00 on January 1, with further details about the zones available here (in German). In Hamburg, the use of fireworks will be restricted in the vicinity of the Inner Alster and Rathausmarkt between 18:00 on December 31 and 01:00 on January 1, 2025. Details regarding the ban zones can be found here (in German).
- In Stuttgart, a police ordinance prohibits the use of pyrotechnics within the city ring from 18:00 on December 31, 2024, to 03:00 on January 1, 2025, with a weapons ban from 18:00 on December 31. Details regarding’s the bans can be found here (in German).
- Security protocols will also be implemented in in Cologne, with details available here (in German); in Frankfurt, with details available here (in German); and in Munich, with details available here ( in German)
Source: Rbb24
- In Germany, enhanced security measures, including increased police presence, stricter controls, and the establishment of extensive no-go zones, will be implemented nationwide to prevent riots. In Berlin, authorities have announced designated zones prohibiting weapons, knives, and firecrackers to mitigate the risk of injuries and attacks on rescue workers during New Year’s Eve. The ban will be in effect from 18:00 on December 31 to 18:00 on January 1, with further details about the zones available here (in German). In Hamburg, the use of fireworks will be restricted in the vicinity of the Inner Alster and Rathausmarkt between 18:00 on December 31 and 01:00 on January 1, 2025. Details regarding the ban zones can be found here (in German).
- In Stuttgart, a police ordinance prohibits the use of pyrotechnics within the city ring from 18:00 on December 31, 2024, to 03:00 on January 1, 2025, with a weapons ban from 18:00 on December 31. Details regarding’s the bans can be found here (in German).
- Security protocols will also be implemented in in Cologne, with details available here (in German); in Frankfurt, with details available here (in German); and in Munich, with details available here ( in German)
Source: Rbb24
- In the Netherlands, authorities anticipate riots similar to those witnessed during the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations when multiple police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were attacked, including in Rotterdam. In addition, 19 municipalities have issued a general ban on fireworks including in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- In the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, over 550 emergency responders and dispatchers, 340 firefighters, and 27 ambulances—10 more than in previous years– will be deployed. An additional 32 regional safety personnel will also support operations.
- In Amsterdam, the main New Year’s Eve event will take place at Museumplein, beginning at 22:00. Public transport, including buses, subways, and trams, will operate only until 20:00. Road closures will also be enforced, as well as a firecracker ban, with further details available here (in Dutch)
Source: NL times
- In the Netherlands, authorities anticipate riots similar to those witnessed during the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations when multiple police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were attacked, including in Rotterdam. In addition, 19 municipalities have issued a general ban on fireworks including in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- In the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, over 550 emergency responders and dispatchers, 340 firefighters, and 27 ambulances—10 more than in previous years– will be deployed. An additional 32 regional safety personnel will also support operations.
- In Amsterdam, the main New Year’s Eve event will take place at Museumplein, beginning at 22:00. Public transport, including buses, subways, and trams, will operate only until 20:00. Road closures will also be enforced, as well as a firecracker ban, with further details available here (in Dutch)
Source: NL times
- In London, UK, travel restrictions, including road closures and limits on vehicles and pedestrians, will be put in place starting at 14:00 on December 31. Details of the disruptions including maps can be found here. Additionally, on January 1, a parade will begin at 11:00 at Piccadilly Street, continuing via Regent Street, Pall Mall Street, and Whitehall Street.
Source: Transport for London
- In London, UK, travel restrictions, including road closures and limits on vehicles and pedestrians, will be put in place starting at 14:00 on December 31. Details of the disruptions including maps can be found here. Additionally, on January 1, a parade will begin at 11:00 at Piccadilly Street, continuing via Regent Street, Pall Mall Street, and Whitehall Street.
Source: Transport for London
Assessments & Forecast
- Despite the heightened security measures, the potential for violent incidents, including arson attacks on emergency services, public infrastructure, and private property, is heightened. This will be compounded by anti-government sentiments, especially due to dissatisfaction within certain sections of governments’ response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, immigration, and cost-of-living, as well as anti-police sentiments.
- While unrest can be expected across urban centers regionwide, violent incidents are more likely to manifest during the overnight hours on January 1 in neighborhoods characterized by low socio-economic development, where residents are liable to harbor high anti-authority sentiments. Such incidents will also pose a risk to those in the vicinity.
- The New Year’s Eve celebration will also likely provide cover for higher rates of crime, including theft of goods from high-end stores, and gang-related violence in countries with high gang presence – including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Alongside crimes of opportunity, the threat of terrorism is expected to be elevated on New Year’s Eve given the higher possibility for mass casualty events with multiple large-scale public celebrations expected regionwide.
- Given these factors, further security checks and measures are expected regionwide on December 31 and January 1. Authorities are expected to increase security measures at customs to crack down on the circulation of illegal fireworks. Police presence is expected to be higher in public areas and transport hubs, with plainclothes officers also likely to be deployed. The threshold for the police’s use of forcible dispersal method, including using batons and conducting mass arrests, is expected to lower during New Year’s Eve.
- Severe disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian traffic are likely across European cities given associated travel restrictions and security measures.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe between December 31 and January 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of New Year’s Eve celebrations and public areas due to the threat of violent incidents.
- Maintain heightened vigilance for potential attacks near festive events, transportation hubs, religious sites, and public places with large crowds.
- Remain abreast of authorities’ updates regarding security measures enacted to prevent violent incidents.
- Allot for disruptions to travel and business operations due to the enacted security measures.
- For further questions and risk assessments, please contact intel@max-security.com
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation
- Authorities regionwide have increased security measures and implemented traffic restrictions due to New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31- January 1. Details are as follows:
- In Belgium, authorities in Brussels and Antwerp have implemented various security measures due to violent unrest and criminal activity in previous years. In Antwerp, authorities have implemented house arrest measures for individuals previously involved in violence, in effect from 18:00 (local time) on December 31 until the morning of January 2. The measures affect 47 individuals.
Source : EUTODAY
- In Belgium, authorities in Brussels and Antwerp have implemented various security measures due to violent unrest and criminal activity in previous years. In Antwerp, authorities have implemented house arrest measures for individuals previously involved in violence, in effect from 18:00 (local time) on December 31 until the morning of January 2. The measures affect 47 individuals.
Source : EUTODAY
- In Brussels, a ban on firecrackers has been put in place. All police units in the capital region will be under unified command for New Year’s Eve. In addition, a 19:00 curfew for individuals under 16 years of age will be in effect in the Cureghem district of the Anderlecht commune. The curfew does not apply to minors accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Source: Brussels Times
- In Brussels, a ban on firecrackers has been put in place. All police units in the capital region will be under unified command for New Year’s Eve. In addition, a 19:00 curfew for individuals under 16 years of age will be in effect in the Cureghem district of the Anderlecht commune. The curfew does not apply to minors accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Source: Brussels Times
- In Paris, France, 10,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the city as part of heightened security measures. The fireworks display on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees will result in the area being sealed off to motorized traffic starting at 15:00 on December 31. Pedestrian access in the vicinity will be strictly controlled and limited to designated entry points, where law enforcement personnel will conduct security screenings to ensure public safety.
- In addition, transport disruptions are scheduled to affect several metro and Reseau Express Regional d’Ile-de-France (RER) lines starting at 15:00 on December 31. Further details regarding the disruptions are available here (in French).
Source: BFM
- In Paris, France, 10,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the city as part of heightened security measures. The fireworks display on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees will result in the area being sealed off to motorized traffic starting at 15:00 on December 31. Pedestrian access in the vicinity will be strictly controlled and limited to designated entry points, where law enforcement personnel will conduct security screenings to ensure public safety.
- In addition, transport disruptions are scheduled to affect several metro and Reseau Express Regional d’Ile-de-France (RER) lines starting at 15:00 on December 31. Further details regarding the disruptions are available here (in French).
Source: BFM
- In Germany, enhanced security measures, including increased police presence, stricter controls, and the establishment of extensive no-go zones, will be implemented nationwide to prevent riots. In Berlin, authorities have announced designated zones prohibiting weapons, knives, and firecrackers to mitigate the risk of injuries and attacks on rescue workers during New Year’s Eve. The ban will be in effect from 18:00 on December 31 to 18:00 on January 1, with further details about the zones available here (in German). In Hamburg, the use of fireworks will be restricted in the vicinity of the Inner Alster and Rathausmarkt between 18:00 on December 31 and 01:00 on January 1, 2025. Details regarding the ban zones can be found here (in German).
- In Stuttgart, a police ordinance prohibits the use of pyrotechnics within the city ring from 18:00 on December 31, 2024, to 03:00 on January 1, 2025, with a weapons ban from 18:00 on December 31. Details regarding’s the bans can be found here (in German).
- Security protocols will also be implemented in in Cologne, with details available here (in German); in Frankfurt, with details available here (in German); and in Munich, with details available here ( in German)
Source: Rbb24
- In Germany, enhanced security measures, including increased police presence, stricter controls, and the establishment of extensive no-go zones, will be implemented nationwide to prevent riots. In Berlin, authorities have announced designated zones prohibiting weapons, knives, and firecrackers to mitigate the risk of injuries and attacks on rescue workers during New Year’s Eve. The ban will be in effect from 18:00 on December 31 to 18:00 on January 1, with further details about the zones available here (in German). In Hamburg, the use of fireworks will be restricted in the vicinity of the Inner Alster and Rathausmarkt between 18:00 on December 31 and 01:00 on January 1, 2025. Details regarding the ban zones can be found here (in German).
- In Stuttgart, a police ordinance prohibits the use of pyrotechnics within the city ring from 18:00 on December 31, 2024, to 03:00 on January 1, 2025, with a weapons ban from 18:00 on December 31. Details regarding’s the bans can be found here (in German).
- Security protocols will also be implemented in in Cologne, with details available here (in German); in Frankfurt, with details available here (in German); and in Munich, with details available here ( in German)
Source: Rbb24
- In the Netherlands, authorities anticipate riots similar to those witnessed during the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations when multiple police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were attacked, including in Rotterdam. In addition, 19 municipalities have issued a general ban on fireworks including in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- In the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, over 550 emergency responders and dispatchers, 340 firefighters, and 27 ambulances—10 more than in previous years– will be deployed. An additional 32 regional safety personnel will also support operations.
- In Amsterdam, the main New Year’s Eve event will take place at Museumplein, beginning at 22:00. Public transport, including buses, subways, and trams, will operate only until 20:00. Road closures will also be enforced, as well as a firecracker ban, with further details available here (in Dutch)
Source: NL times
- In the Netherlands, authorities anticipate riots similar to those witnessed during the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations when multiple police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were attacked, including in Rotterdam. In addition, 19 municipalities have issued a general ban on fireworks including in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- In the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, over 550 emergency responders and dispatchers, 340 firefighters, and 27 ambulances—10 more than in previous years– will be deployed. An additional 32 regional safety personnel will also support operations.
- In Amsterdam, the main New Year’s Eve event will take place at Museumplein, beginning at 22:00. Public transport, including buses, subways, and trams, will operate only until 20:00. Road closures will also be enforced, as well as a firecracker ban, with further details available here (in Dutch)
Source: NL times
- In London, UK, travel restrictions, including road closures and limits on vehicles and pedestrians, will be put in place starting at 14:00 on December 31. Details of the disruptions including maps can be found here. Additionally, on January 1, a parade will begin at 11:00 at Piccadilly Street, continuing via Regent Street, Pall Mall Street, and Whitehall Street.
Source: Transport for London
- In London, UK, travel restrictions, including road closures and limits on vehicles and pedestrians, will be put in place starting at 14:00 on December 31. Details of the disruptions including maps can be found here. Additionally, on January 1, a parade will begin at 11:00 at Piccadilly Street, continuing via Regent Street, Pall Mall Street, and Whitehall Street.
Source: Transport for London
Assessments & Forecast
- Despite the heightened security measures, the potential for violent incidents, including arson attacks on emergency services, public infrastructure, and private property, is heightened. This will be compounded by anti-government sentiments, especially due to dissatisfaction within certain sections of governments’ response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, immigration, and cost-of-living, as well as anti-police sentiments.
- While unrest can be expected across urban centers regionwide, violent incidents are more likely to manifest during the overnight hours on January 1 in neighborhoods characterized by low socio-economic development, where residents are liable to harbor high anti-authority sentiments. Such incidents will also pose a risk to those in the vicinity.
- The New Year’s Eve celebration will also likely provide cover for higher rates of crime, including theft of goods from high-end stores, and gang-related violence in countries with high gang presence – including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Alongside crimes of opportunity, the threat of terrorism is expected to be elevated on New Year’s Eve given the higher possibility for mass casualty events with multiple large-scale public celebrations expected regionwide.
- Given these factors, further security checks and measures are expected regionwide on December 31 and January 1. Authorities are expected to increase security measures at customs to crack down on the circulation of illegal fireworks. Police presence is expected to be higher in public areas and transport hubs, with plainclothes officers also likely to be deployed. The threshold for the police’s use of forcible dispersal method, including using batons and conducting mass arrests, is expected to lower during New Year’s Eve.
- Severe disruptions to vehicular and pedestrian traffic are likely across European cities given associated travel restrictions and security measures.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe between December 31 and January 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of New Year’s Eve celebrations and public areas due to the threat of violent incidents.
- Maintain heightened vigilance for potential attacks near festive events, transportation hubs, religious sites, and public places with large crowds.
- Remain abreast of authorities’ updates regarding security measures enacted to prevent violent incidents.
- Allot for disruptions to travel and business operations due to the enacted security measures.
- For further questions and risk assessments, please contact intel@max-security.com
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Related Reports
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-
ProtestEurope Tactical: Pro-Ukrainian protests to take place in multiple cities regionwide on February 22-24; maintain heightened vigilance -
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ProtestBelgium & Germany Tactical: Two Congolese diaspora protests slated to take place in Berlin, Brussels on February 15; allot for disruptions -
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Related Reports
Belgium
-
ProtestEurope Tactical: Pro-Ukrainian protests to take place in multiple cities regionwide on February 22-24; maintain heightened vigilance
-
Labor ActionBelgium Tactical: Unionized railway workers to strike nationwide between February 21-March 2; reconfirm itineraries
-
ProtestBelgium & Germany Tactical: Two Congolese diaspora protests slated to take place in Berlin, Brussels on February 15; allot for disruptions
-
ProtestBelgium Tactical: Nationwide multi-sector strike, associated protest in Brussels, scheduled on February 13; maintain heightened vigilance