29
Nov 2021
13:08 UTC

MAX – Europe and the Americas Daily Summary – November 29, 2021

The following report reviews current events in the Europe and the Americas region and their possible effect on business continuity and security. 

Highlights of the Day

Americas 

  • Ecuador & PeruEarthquake recorded in Ecuador, Peru on November 28; maintain vigilance for aftershocks 
  • Guadeloupe & Martinique: 10 police officers injured in anti-vaccine protests in Fort-de-France on November 28; violent unrest to persist 
  • HondurasCastro leads election per CNE’s preliminary results released on November 28; political uncertainty to remain in near term

Europe 

  • Czech RepublicPresident Zeman appoints Petr Fiala as PM on November 28; government formation likely to be delayed in near term 
  • Europe: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine, treatment patents slated in multiple cities regionwide on November 30; allot for disruptions 
  • Germany: Two incendiary devices discovered at premises of aerospace company in Bremen on November 26; highlights far-left extremist threat 

 

Americas Actionable Items

Americas: Canada reports first cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant as restrictions are tightened on November 29; remain cognizant of updates 

Health officials in Canada confirmed the country’s first two cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant, detected in Ottawa, as of November 28. Separately, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have announced an extension of the existing COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) until December 23. In addition, effective December 15, all passengers arriving on the island will be required to be fully vaccinated and present a negative COVID-19 test no older than four days. Further, Trinidad & Tobago has imposed entry restrictions on travelers from eight African countries due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Accordingly, individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Trinidad & Tobago and have visited the countries listed above in the last 14 days will be denied entry. Nationals and permanent residents who have visited these countries in the last 14 days prior to their arrival are mandated to undergo a state-supervised quarantine of at least 14 days. 

Those operating or residing in the Americas on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Americas: Heavy rain, floods reported in regions of Argentina, Canada persist on November 29; remain cognizant of updates 

In Argentina, the Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (SMN) has issued a yellow alert, the second in a four-tier system, for heavy rain in Buenos Aires City and Buenos Aires Province. On November 28, floods across Buenos Aires City forced the closure of Linea B of the subway system; service remains limited as of writing. In Canada, several areas of British Columbia face floods and mudslides following heavy rain on November 28. Authorities in Merrit City have ordered a 24-hour evacuation for several districts from November 28, 15:00 (local time), to November 29, 15:00. In the USA, a wildfire in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina prompted the evacuation of Pilot Mountain State Park on November 27. The wildfire has burned over 300 acres of land and continues to expand due to heavy winds. The state park is slated to remain closed for the remainder of the week.  

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned areas of Argentina, Canada, or USA on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding weather-related risks. Allot for potential disruptions to travel and other public services.  

 

Canada & USA: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine patents to be held in multiple cities of Canada, USA on November 30; maintain vigilance 

According to reports, several protests to demand that pharmaceutical companies lift patents on COVID-19 vaccines will be held in Canada and the USA on November 30. In Canada, a protest will be held at 344 Bloor St. W, Toronto at 16:00 (local time). In the USA, protests will be held in Boston, MA, Chicago, IL,  Denver, CO, at Times Square in New York City, NY, Portland, OR, University of California San Francisco, CA, and outside the White House and Foggy Bottom Metro in Washington, DC at varying times ranging between 12:00-18:15.  

The slated protests are likely to draw turnouts in the high dozens-to-low hundreds, with New York City, Toronto, and Washington, DC liable to draw the largest turnouts. Given the heightened sentiments over access to vaccines, the slated protests carry with them the potential for unrest, with clashes between the police and protesters likely. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations. Localized disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic are likely in the vicinity of the protests during the slated timings. 

Those operating or residing in Canada and the USA on November 30 are advised to maintain vigilance due to the potential for unrest and allot for traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the abovementioned protest locations. 

 

Ecuador & Peru: Earthquake recorded in Ecuador, Peru on November 28; maintain vigilance for aftershocks 

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded 42 km northwest from Barranca, Datem del Maranon, Peru during the early morning hours (local time) on November 28. The earthquake struck at a depth of 112 km. Tremors were reportedly felt in Bongara, Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, Chiclayo, Jaen, Luya, and Trujillo in Peru, as well as in Coca, Loja, and Guayaquil in Ecuador. Moreover, light tremors were registered in Colombia, without any fatalities and damage reported yet. At the time of writing, landslides have blocked highways in Amazonas and Cajamarca regions in Peru. Local authorities reported damage to houses and businesses facilities, and utility outages in the northern provinces. In Azuay, Loja, and Zamora Chinchipe (Ecuador) structural damage to houses and public venues was registered. No tsunami warning has been issued in Ecuador or Peru, as of writing. No fatalities have been announced yet by local authorities. As the earthquake’s epicenter occurred in a thinly populated area, it could take several days until comprehensive damage assessments could be made.  

Those operating or residing in Ecuador and Peru over the coming hours on November 29 are advised to remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates regarding the earthquake and maintain vigilance, given the risk of aftershocks.

 

Americas Notable Events

Guadeloupe & Martinique: 10 police officers injured in anti-vaccine protests in Fort-de-France on November 28; violent unrest to persist  

10 police officers were injured, five of whom were shot by protesters, in clashes at protests against vaccine mandate and COVID-19-measures in Martinique’s capital Fort-de-France on November 28. Additionally, protesters fired shots at four journalists who were reporting at the scene. No journalist sustained major injuries. A nightly 19:00-05:00 (local time) curfew is in effect in Martinique, while the curfew in Guadeloupe is extended through November 29. Meanwhile, French authorities postponed the COVID-19-health pass mandate for health workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique until December 31. 

The escalated levels of unrest and violence at anti-vaccine protests on both islands reflect widespread opposition to the measures and rules imposed by authorities of mainland France. While the move to postpone the vaccine mandate was likely an attempt to appease the protesters, the fact that protests continued despite the announcement indicates that violent unrest can be expected to persist, especially as the French government has not hinted at backtracking on the mandates completely. Given this, security enforcements will likely remain bolstered, especially in Fort-du-France, and Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre, Pointe-a-Pitre, and Petit-Bourg cities.  

 

Honduras: Castro leads election per CNE’s preliminary results released on November 28; political uncertainty to remain in near term 

According to the preliminary results of the general election released by the Consejo Nacional Electoral de Honduras (CNE), Xiomara Castro of left-wing Libertad y Refundacion (LIBRE) has secured the highest votes, with 53.44 percent of the vote share. Nasry Asfura of ruling Partido Nacional de Honduras (PNH) followed Castro, with 34.03 percent of the votes. While final results are yet to be confirmed, Castro claimed victory in the election. 

Castro is likely to have led the elections due to voters’ discontent with PNH, owing to corruption concerns and the lack of adequate economic recovery programs proposed by the PNH-led government. Meanwhile, opposition party members especially Asfura are likely to make claims of electoral fraud, especially as the CNE reported a possible cyberattack on the electoral website on November 28. As such, the potential for the final count to reflect different results cannot be ruled out, as evidenced in the 2017 elections, thereby potentially prompting violent protests over electoral manipulation in the near term. Uncertainty is likely to persist until the results are confirmed, despite Castro having already declared victory. 

 

Europe Actionable Items

Europe: Countries tighten restrictions amid concerns over Omicron COVID-19 variant on November 29; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 

In Belgium, national railway company Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB) announced the cancellation of at least 10 rush hour trains arriving in and departing from Brussels due to a COVID-19 outbreak affecting railway staff, per November 28 reports. Multiple countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have reported cases of the Omicron COVID-19 virus variant. In Finland, authorities have implemented entry restrictions for those arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, effective until December 19. In Norway, authorities have announced new measures for individuals arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In Slovenia, individuals traveling from countries where the Omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected and those who have visited these countries within 14 days prior to travel will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine. In the UK, British Airways, the country’s flag carrier, has temporarily suspended flights to Hong Kong, following concerns that its crew members are required to quarantine in a government facility. 

Those operating or residing in Europe on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Europe: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine, treatment patents slated in multiple cities regionwide on November 30; allot for disruptions 

According to reports, protests are slated to take place in multiple cities regionwide, including Brussels, Geneva, Paris, and Vienna on November 30. The rallies are organized in accordance with the Global Call to Action against the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘No Profit on Pandemic,’ to call for the lifting of patents on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Similar protests are planned in Barcelona, Belfast, London, and Madrid, with details unannounced as of writing.   
According to social media estimates, the protests are likely to draw a turnout in the low hundreds each, with the rally in Geneva expected to be the largest. The demonstrations are expected to transpire largely peacefully, although the potential for isolated scuffles remains, given heightened anti-government sentiments. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations to monitor proceedings and ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations during the slated timings.
Those operating or residing in Europe on November 30 are advised to allot for disruptions to travel in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations during the slated timings.  

 

Europe: Inclement weather warnings issued for multiple regions on November 29-30; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates  

Meteoalarm, Europe’s weather agency, has issued orange alerts, the second-highest in a three-tier scale, for multiple regions on November 29-30. Orange alerts have been issued in multiple French regions for avalanches, wind, and snow or ice. Further details can be found here. Orange alerts are also in several regions in northern Spain due to wind, snow or ice, and coastal events. Details can be found here. Similar alerts have been issued in Italy due to forecast wind, rain, and thunderstorm, with details on affected regions available here. Orange alerts are also in place in Greece’s eastern coastal regions for rain and thunderstorm, in Latvia’s Latgele region for snow or ice, in Lithuania’s eastern regions for snow, and in Croatia’s coastal regions for wind. Adverse weather alerts are also in place in Russia’s Northwestern, Central, and Southern districts due to forecast heavy rains and winds. In the UK, power outages and travel disruptions caused by Storm Arwin are expected to continue in Scotland, eastern and northern England, and Wales on November 29-30.  

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned regions of Europe on November 29-30 are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding inclement weather conditions and associated risks. 

 

UK: Stagecoach workers to hold strike in South Yorkshire until December 4; allot for disruptions  

Unite the Union has called workers of the transport group Stagecoach in South Yorkshire to stage a strike action until December 4. Over 560 employees in Sheffield, Barnsley, and Rotherham initiated the strike on November 27 following a failed negotiation over wages. Bus services in Barnsley, Rotherham, Dearne Valley, and West Yorkshire will remain affected throughout December 3, while services in Sheffield will be affected until December 4. Further information on alternative services and affected routes can be found here 

The strike is likely to prompt significant travel disruptions across South Yorkshire throughout December 3 and across Sheffield throughout December 4 due to the increased number of travelers in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. Moreover, the strike action is likely to cause overcrowding and delay on alternative modes of transport, given the additional number of commuters opting for alternative modes of travel.  

Those operating or residing in South Yorkshire from November 29 until December 4 are advised to allot for public transport disruptions due to the slated strike action by Stagecoach workers. 

 

Europe Notable Events

Czech Republic: President Zeman appoints Petr Fiala as PM on November 28; government formation likely to be delayed in near term 

On November 28, President Milos Zeman appointed Petr Fiala as the PM following the victory of the center-right SPOLU political alliance in the October 8-9 parliamentary elections. The alliance, along with the Pirati a Starostove (PaS), and two other parties have formed a five-party coalition government to secure a parliamentary majority. Fiala stated he will hold meetings for government formation until December 13. On November 11, President Zeman approved the resignation of former PM Andrej Babis, whose Akce Nespokojenych Obcanu (ANO) 2011 party was defeated in the elections. 

Fiala’s government is likely to address the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis in the immediate term, with cases surging to record high numbers and hospitals saturated with patients in the Czech Republic. Given the prevailing differences in political interests between SPOLU and PAS, government formation is likely to be delayed with extended post-election negotiations over cabinet allotments and disagreements on policies likely. Given this, political uncertainty is expected to be prolonged in the event that Fiala fails to appoint the cabinet by mid-December when the term of the outgoing government ends.

 

Germany: Two incendiary devices discovered at premises of aerospace company in Bremen on November 26; highlights far-left extremist threat 

Two incendiary devices were reportedly discovered on the premises of an aerospace company in Bremen on November 26. The finding prompted the police to cordon off the area, leading to local disruptions. No injuries were reported. An alleged letter of confession was published online on a suspected far-left extremist portal. An investigation into the incident and the confession’s authenticity is ongoing. Certain local media reports cite the company’s business relations with the military and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) as the reason for the attempted attack.  

The incident highlights the threat posed by far-left extremist groups in Germany, with similar attempted attacks likely to recur against companies in the aerospace sector and those with links to the military and coastal security, given the information in the alleged confession and media reports. In addition, the incident reiterates the disruptive nature and modus operandi of far-left groups, including violent protests, vandalism, and the use of lowly sophisticated explosives to agitate issues in certain sectors. With this, security at potential target companies is likely to be bolstered.

 

Notable Dates

November 30 

  • Albania: Liberation Day 
  • Barbados: Independence Day 
  • Romania: Feast of St. Andrew 

 

December 1 

  • Portugal: Independence Restoration Day 
  • Romania: National Day 

 

December 3 

  • Argentina: Healthcare workers to protest in Buenos Aires 
  • Greece: Union protest in Athens 
  • Italy: Public transport workers to strike in Rome 

 

December 4 

  • Denmark: Protest to be held in Copenhagen

 

December 6 

  • Belgium: Protest, strike in Brussels 
  • Finland: Independence Day 
  • Spain: Constitution Day 

 

December 8 

  • Albania: National Youth Day  
  • Panama: Mother’s Day 
  • Regionwide: Immaculate Conception Day 

December 9 

  • Antigua and Barbuda: Vere Cornwall Bird Snr. Day 

 

December 10 

  • Luxembourg: Pro-human rights march in Luxembourg City 

 

December 11 

  • Switzerland: Nationwide demonstrations against femicides 

 

December 13 

  • Saint Lucia: National Day 

 

The following report reviews current events in the Europe and the Americas region and their possible effect on business continuity and security. 

Highlights of the Day

Americas 

  • Ecuador & PeruEarthquake recorded in Ecuador, Peru on November 28; maintain vigilance for aftershocks 
  • Guadeloupe & Martinique: 10 police officers injured in anti-vaccine protests in Fort-de-France on November 28; violent unrest to persist 
  • HondurasCastro leads election per CNE’s preliminary results released on November 28; political uncertainty to remain in near term

Europe 

  • Czech RepublicPresident Zeman appoints Petr Fiala as PM on November 28; government formation likely to be delayed in near term 
  • Europe: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine, treatment patents slated in multiple cities regionwide on November 30; allot for disruptions 
  • Germany: Two incendiary devices discovered at premises of aerospace company in Bremen on November 26; highlights far-left extremist threat 

 

Americas Actionable Items

Americas: Canada reports first cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant as restrictions are tightened on November 29; remain cognizant of updates 

Health officials in Canada confirmed the country’s first two cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant, detected in Ottawa, as of November 28. Separately, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have announced an extension of the existing COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) until December 23. In addition, effective December 15, all passengers arriving on the island will be required to be fully vaccinated and present a negative COVID-19 test no older than four days. Further, Trinidad & Tobago has imposed entry restrictions on travelers from eight African countries due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Accordingly, individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Trinidad & Tobago and have visited the countries listed above in the last 14 days will be denied entry. Nationals and permanent residents who have visited these countries in the last 14 days prior to their arrival are mandated to undergo a state-supervised quarantine of at least 14 days. 

Those operating or residing in the Americas on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Americas: Heavy rain, floods reported in regions of Argentina, Canada persist on November 29; remain cognizant of updates 

In Argentina, the Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (SMN) has issued a yellow alert, the second in a four-tier system, for heavy rain in Buenos Aires City and Buenos Aires Province. On November 28, floods across Buenos Aires City forced the closure of Linea B of the subway system; service remains limited as of writing. In Canada, several areas of British Columbia face floods and mudslides following heavy rain on November 28. Authorities in Merrit City have ordered a 24-hour evacuation for several districts from November 28, 15:00 (local time), to November 29, 15:00. In the USA, a wildfire in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina prompted the evacuation of Pilot Mountain State Park on November 27. The wildfire has burned over 300 acres of land and continues to expand due to heavy winds. The state park is slated to remain closed for the remainder of the week.  

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned areas of Argentina, Canada, or USA on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding weather-related risks. Allot for potential disruptions to travel and other public services.  

 

Canada & USA: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine patents to be held in multiple cities of Canada, USA on November 30; maintain vigilance 

According to reports, several protests to demand that pharmaceutical companies lift patents on COVID-19 vaccines will be held in Canada and the USA on November 30. In Canada, a protest will be held at 344 Bloor St. W, Toronto at 16:00 (local time). In the USA, protests will be held in Boston, MA, Chicago, IL,  Denver, CO, at Times Square in New York City, NY, Portland, OR, University of California San Francisco, CA, and outside the White House and Foggy Bottom Metro in Washington, DC at varying times ranging between 12:00-18:15.  

The slated protests are likely to draw turnouts in the high dozens-to-low hundreds, with New York City, Toronto, and Washington, DC liable to draw the largest turnouts. Given the heightened sentiments over access to vaccines, the slated protests carry with them the potential for unrest, with clashes between the police and protesters likely. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations. Localized disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic are likely in the vicinity of the protests during the slated timings. 

Those operating or residing in Canada and the USA on November 30 are advised to maintain vigilance due to the potential for unrest and allot for traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the abovementioned protest locations. 

 

Ecuador & Peru: Earthquake recorded in Ecuador, Peru on November 28; maintain vigilance for aftershocks 

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded 42 km northwest from Barranca, Datem del Maranon, Peru during the early morning hours (local time) on November 28. The earthquake struck at a depth of 112 km. Tremors were reportedly felt in Bongara, Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, Chiclayo, Jaen, Luya, and Trujillo in Peru, as well as in Coca, Loja, and Guayaquil in Ecuador. Moreover, light tremors were registered in Colombia, without any fatalities and damage reported yet. At the time of writing, landslides have blocked highways in Amazonas and Cajamarca regions in Peru. Local authorities reported damage to houses and businesses facilities, and utility outages in the northern provinces. In Azuay, Loja, and Zamora Chinchipe (Ecuador) structural damage to houses and public venues was registered. No tsunami warning has been issued in Ecuador or Peru, as of writing. No fatalities have been announced yet by local authorities. As the earthquake’s epicenter occurred in a thinly populated area, it could take several days until comprehensive damage assessments could be made.  

Those operating or residing in Ecuador and Peru over the coming hours on November 29 are advised to remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates regarding the earthquake and maintain vigilance, given the risk of aftershocks.

 

Americas Notable Events

Guadeloupe & Martinique: 10 police officers injured in anti-vaccine protests in Fort-de-France on November 28; violent unrest to persist  

10 police officers were injured, five of whom were shot by protesters, in clashes at protests against vaccine mandate and COVID-19-measures in Martinique’s capital Fort-de-France on November 28. Additionally, protesters fired shots at four journalists who were reporting at the scene. No journalist sustained major injuries. A nightly 19:00-05:00 (local time) curfew is in effect in Martinique, while the curfew in Guadeloupe is extended through November 29. Meanwhile, French authorities postponed the COVID-19-health pass mandate for health workers in Guadeloupe and Martinique until December 31. 

The escalated levels of unrest and violence at anti-vaccine protests on both islands reflect widespread opposition to the measures and rules imposed by authorities of mainland France. While the move to postpone the vaccine mandate was likely an attempt to appease the protesters, the fact that protests continued despite the announcement indicates that violent unrest can be expected to persist, especially as the French government has not hinted at backtracking on the mandates completely. Given this, security enforcements will likely remain bolstered, especially in Fort-du-France, and Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre, Pointe-a-Pitre, and Petit-Bourg cities.  

 

Honduras: Castro leads election per CNE’s preliminary results released on November 28; political uncertainty to remain in near term 

According to the preliminary results of the general election released by the Consejo Nacional Electoral de Honduras (CNE), Xiomara Castro of left-wing Libertad y Refundacion (LIBRE) has secured the highest votes, with 53.44 percent of the vote share. Nasry Asfura of ruling Partido Nacional de Honduras (PNH) followed Castro, with 34.03 percent of the votes. While final results are yet to be confirmed, Castro claimed victory in the election. 

Castro is likely to have led the elections due to voters’ discontent with PNH, owing to corruption concerns and the lack of adequate economic recovery programs proposed by the PNH-led government. Meanwhile, opposition party members especially Asfura are likely to make claims of electoral fraud, especially as the CNE reported a possible cyberattack on the electoral website on November 28. As such, the potential for the final count to reflect different results cannot be ruled out, as evidenced in the 2017 elections, thereby potentially prompting violent protests over electoral manipulation in the near term. Uncertainty is likely to persist until the results are confirmed, despite Castro having already declared victory. 

 

Europe Actionable Items

Europe: Countries tighten restrictions amid concerns over Omicron COVID-19 variant on November 29; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 

In Belgium, national railway company Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB) announced the cancellation of at least 10 rush hour trains arriving in and departing from Brussels due to a COVID-19 outbreak affecting railway staff, per November 28 reports. Multiple countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have reported cases of the Omicron COVID-19 virus variant. In Finland, authorities have implemented entry restrictions for those arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, effective until December 19. In Norway, authorities have announced new measures for individuals arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In Slovenia, individuals traveling from countries where the Omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected and those who have visited these countries within 14 days prior to travel will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine. In the UK, British Airways, the country’s flag carrier, has temporarily suspended flights to Hong Kong, following concerns that its crew members are required to quarantine in a government facility. 

Those operating or residing in Europe on November 29 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Europe: Protests against COVID-19 vaccine, treatment patents slated in multiple cities regionwide on November 30; allot for disruptions 

According to reports, protests are slated to take place in multiple cities regionwide, including Brussels, Geneva, Paris, and Vienna on November 30. The rallies are organized in accordance with the Global Call to Action against the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘No Profit on Pandemic,’ to call for the lifting of patents on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Similar protests are planned in Barcelona, Belfast, London, and Madrid, with details unannounced as of writing.   
According to social media estimates, the protests are likely to draw a turnout in the low hundreds each, with the rally in Geneva expected to be the largest. The demonstrations are expected to transpire largely peacefully, although the potential for isolated scuffles remains, given heightened anti-government sentiments. As such, a bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations to monitor proceedings and ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations during the slated timings.
Those operating or residing in Europe on November 30 are advised to allot for disruptions to travel in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations during the slated timings.  

 

Europe: Inclement weather warnings issued for multiple regions on November 29-30; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates  

Meteoalarm, Europe’s weather agency, has issued orange alerts, the second-highest in a three-tier scale, for multiple regions on November 29-30. Orange alerts have been issued in multiple French regions for avalanches, wind, and snow or ice. Further details can be found here. Orange alerts are also in several regions in northern Spain due to wind, snow or ice, and coastal events. Details can be found here. Similar alerts have been issued in Italy due to forecast wind, rain, and thunderstorm, with details on affected regions available here. Orange alerts are also in place in Greece’s eastern coastal regions for rain and thunderstorm, in Latvia’s Latgele region for snow or ice, in Lithuania’s eastern regions for snow, and in Croatia’s coastal regions for wind. Adverse weather alerts are also in place in Russia’s Northwestern, Central, and Southern districts due to forecast heavy rains and winds. In the UK, power outages and travel disruptions caused by Storm Arwin are expected to continue in Scotland, eastern and northern England, and Wales on November 29-30.  

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned regions of Europe on November 29-30 are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding inclement weather conditions and associated risks. 

 

UK: Stagecoach workers to hold strike in South Yorkshire until December 4; allot for disruptions  

Unite the Union has called workers of the transport group Stagecoach in South Yorkshire to stage a strike action until December 4. Over 560 employees in Sheffield, Barnsley, and Rotherham initiated the strike on November 27 following a failed negotiation over wages. Bus services in Barnsley, Rotherham, Dearne Valley, and West Yorkshire will remain affected throughout December 3, while services in Sheffield will be affected until December 4. Further information on alternative services and affected routes can be found here 

The strike is likely to prompt significant travel disruptions across South Yorkshire throughout December 3 and across Sheffield throughout December 4 due to the increased number of travelers in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. Moreover, the strike action is likely to cause overcrowding and delay on alternative modes of transport, given the additional number of commuters opting for alternative modes of travel.  

Those operating or residing in South Yorkshire from November 29 until December 4 are advised to allot for public transport disruptions due to the slated strike action by Stagecoach workers. 

 

Europe Notable Events

Czech Republic: President Zeman appoints Petr Fiala as PM on November 28; government formation likely to be delayed in near term 

On November 28, President Milos Zeman appointed Petr Fiala as the PM following the victory of the center-right SPOLU political alliance in the October 8-9 parliamentary elections. The alliance, along with the Pirati a Starostove (PaS), and two other parties have formed a five-party coalition government to secure a parliamentary majority. Fiala stated he will hold meetings for government formation until December 13. On November 11, President Zeman approved the resignation of former PM Andrej Babis, whose Akce Nespokojenych Obcanu (ANO) 2011 party was defeated in the elections. 

Fiala’s government is likely to address the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis in the immediate term, with cases surging to record high numbers and hospitals saturated with patients in the Czech Republic. Given the prevailing differences in political interests between SPOLU and PAS, government formation is likely to be delayed with extended post-election negotiations over cabinet allotments and disagreements on policies likely. Given this, political uncertainty is expected to be prolonged in the event that Fiala fails to appoint the cabinet by mid-December when the term of the outgoing government ends.

 

Germany: Two incendiary devices discovered at premises of aerospace company in Bremen on November 26; highlights far-left extremist threat 

Two incendiary devices were reportedly discovered on the premises of an aerospace company in Bremen on November 26. The finding prompted the police to cordon off the area, leading to local disruptions. No injuries were reported. An alleged letter of confession was published online on a suspected far-left extremist portal. An investigation into the incident and the confession’s authenticity is ongoing. Certain local media reports cite the company’s business relations with the military and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) as the reason for the attempted attack.  

The incident highlights the threat posed by far-left extremist groups in Germany, with similar attempted attacks likely to recur against companies in the aerospace sector and those with links to the military and coastal security, given the information in the alleged confession and media reports. In addition, the incident reiterates the disruptive nature and modus operandi of far-left groups, including violent protests, vandalism, and the use of lowly sophisticated explosives to agitate issues in certain sectors. With this, security at potential target companies is likely to be bolstered.

 

Notable Dates

November 30 

  • Albania: Liberation Day 
  • Barbados: Independence Day 
  • Romania: Feast of St. Andrew 

 

December 1 

  • Portugal: Independence Restoration Day 
  • Romania: National Day 

 

December 3 

  • Argentina: Healthcare workers to protest in Buenos Aires 
  • Greece: Union protest in Athens 
  • Italy: Public transport workers to strike in Rome 

 

December 4 

  • Denmark: Protest to be held in Copenhagen

 

December 6 

  • Belgium: Protest, strike in Brussels 
  • Finland: Independence Day 
  • Spain: Constitution Day 

 

December 8 

  • Albania: National Youth Day  
  • Panama: Mother’s Day 
  • Regionwide: Immaculate Conception Day 

December 9 

  • Antigua and Barbuda: Vere Cornwall Bird Snr. Day 

 

December 10 

  • Luxembourg: Pro-human rights march in Luxembourg City 

 

December 11 

  • Switzerland: Nationwide demonstrations against femicides 

 

December 13 

  • Saint Lucia: National Day