20
Sep 2021
11:53 UTC

MAX – Europe and the Americas Daily Summary – September 20, 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 

  • Americas: Inclement weather conditions forecast across multiple countries as of September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates   
  • EcuadorGovernment bolsters military presence in 23 cities, including Quito, on September 19; security landscape to remain critical 
  • Mexico: Two dead, four injured following explosion in Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19; reflects statewide uptick in violent crime

Europe 

  • France & UK: London cancels defense summit with Paris amid AUKUS row, per September 20 reports; further repercussions likely near-term 
  • Spain: Emergency alert issued due to volcanic eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 
  • Ukraine & Russia: Kyiv imposes sanctions on State Duma election organizers in Donbas, Crimea on September 17; likely to escalate tensions

 

Americas Actionable Items

Americas: Chile administers COVID-19 vaccine to children as vaccination drives continue on September 20; remain cognizant of updates 

In Bermuda, authorities have imposed a nationwide nightly curfew from 00:30-05:00 (local time) through October 1. Essential services will be exempt from curfew restrictions. In the British Virgin Islands, authorities have shortened the territory’s nightly curfew by two hours to 01:00-05:00 until October 3. In Chile, starting from September 20, inoculations against COVID-19 will begin for children in the 6-13 years age group. Honduras will begin to inoculate individuals above the age of 15 with Pfizer’s COVID-19 from September 20. In Mexico, authorities in Mexico City will administer the second dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals aged 30-39 on September 21-25. In Xochimilco, on September 26, the second dose will be administered to individuals in the 18-29 years age group who have been previously inoculated with Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine. In Peru, authorities have updated its four-tier COVID-19-related provincial restrictions and entry restrictions, to be in effect until October 3. Details can be found here. 

Those operating or residing in the Americas on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Americas: Inclement weather conditions forecast across multiple countries as of September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates   

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Peter, formed in the southern North Atlantic Ocean and expected to move north of the Leeward Islands. The storm system is forecast to cause floods in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on September 21. Separately, the Meteorological Service of Canada has forecast thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the southwestern region of Ontario including Dryden, Fort Frances, and Kenora until September 21.  Mexico’s Comision Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA) has issued alerts for floods and ordered evacuations due to the overflowing of the Tula River in Hidalgo. Additionally, Instituto Uruguayo de Meteorologia, Uruguay’s national weather agency, has issued orange alerts, the second-highest in a three-tier system, for heavy rains across northern regions including Artigas and Durazno. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings in central Tennessee and northern Alabama on September 20. Red flag warnings for critical fire weather remain in effect in northern California. Authorities have issued new evacuation orders due to ongoing wildfires near Sequoia National Forest as of September 20. 

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned regions in the Americas on September 20 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding weather-related risks and allot for associated disruptions to travel and public services. 

 

USA: Activists to hold protests coinciding with UN General Assembly in New York City, NY on September 21; allot for disruptions 

Activists will hold multiple protests coinciding with the UN General Assembly on September 21 in New York City, NY. A protest against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be held at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 45th Street at 08:00 (local time). A demonstration in favor of welcoming all Afghan refugees to the USA, providing humanitarian aid, and ending all drone strikes will be held at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 43rd Street at 10:00. A protest to stop the Amhara genocide in Ethiopia will be held outside UN Headquarters at 10:00. 

Based on social media interest, the demonstrations are liable to witness varying turnouts ranging from the mid-dozens to low hundreds, with the protests against Bolsonaro and to stop the Amhara genocide in Ethiopia likely to see the largest attendances. Although the demonstrations are liable to transpire largely peacefully, a bolstered security presence is likely at all protest locations and will be strongest felt outside UN Headquarters. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of all aforementioned protest locations from the morning hours onwards. 

Those operating or residing in New York City on September 21 are advised to allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations from the morning hours onwards.  

 

USA: Protest march to be held from Benjamin Banneker Park in Washington, DC from 12:00 (local time) on September 21; allot for disruptions
Multiple activists and organizations, including CASA and FIRM Action, will hold a march from Benjamin Banneker Park to the US Capitol building in Washington, DC beginning at 12:00 (local time) on September 21. Demonstrators are planning to stop at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters along the march route. The march is being held under the banner of “Welcome Back Congress”, with organizers calling for Congress to address immigration reform, the care economy, and climate change.

Based on the mobilization capabilities of groups involved, the march is likely to witness a turnout ranging from the high hundreds to low thousands. Although the march is liable to transpire largely peacefully, a bolstered security presence can be expected along the march route to monitor proceedings and ensure adherence to COVID-19 restrictions. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of the march route from 12:00 onwards. 

Those operating or residing in Washington, DC on September 21 are advised to allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the march route from 12:00 onwards.   

 

Americas Notable Events

Ecuador: Government bolsters military presence in 23 cities, including Quito, on September 19; security landscape to remain critical 

Ecuador has strengthened military and police reinforcements across 23 cities, including in Guayaquil and Quito, to control gang-related crime as of September 19. In Los Rios, close to 1,200 personnel were deployed on September 17. Officials reportedly identified 18 sites operating as potential clandestine runways used by criminal groups for narcotrafficking in Guayas, and 80 in Manabi. Guayas has recorded 536 gang-related deaths in 2021, with 440 deaths in Guayaquil alone.  

These developments reiterate the elevated threat associated with the increased inter-gang violence in recent months, especially in Guayas and Los Rios. That the US Embassy in Ecuador issued a security alert on September 16 for an “increase in violence” in Guayaquil supports this. Given that the Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia border regions, as well as the Gulf of Guayaquil, remain conducive for major transnational drug-trafficking operations, security checks and targeted operations will remain bolstered in these regions in the medium term. Considering the above, coupled with the heightened potential for violent retaliatory attacks by gangs, Ecuador’s overall security landscape will continue to remain critical going forward.  

 

Mexico: Two dead, four injured following explosion in Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19; reflects statewide uptick in violent crime 

The detonation of an explosive device left two individuals dead and four others were injured in the El Deportivo neighborhood of Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19. Reports indicate that two individuals left a box containing the explosive device outside a restaurant located in Faja de Oro Avenue. Investigations into the attack are ongoing as of writing.  

The incident is reflective of the uptick in violent crimes in Guanajuato, with the state ranking among the most violent regions in the country for the second consecutive year despite increased security efforts. That Guanajuato has remained a key location of turf wars between prominent drug cartels such as Cartel de Sinaloa (CDS) and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) suggests that the attack is likely to have been carried out by individuals associated with the cartels. Moreover, the explosion also indicates a heightened threat to civilian bystanders given that that attack took place outside a restaurant when it was open to visitors. With that, similar attacks in Guanajuato are expected to continue going forward given the prevalence of turf wars in the region. 

 

Europe Actionable Items

Europe: Countries modify COVID-19 restrictions as national immunization campaigns continue on September 20; remain cognizant of updates 

In Belgium, effective October 1, face masks will no longer be required in workspaces in Flanders. However, face masks are mandatory for individuals working in healthcare, public transport, and any profession that requires contact with people. In Wallonia, the COVID-19 Safe Ticket is expected to be applied to certain sectors starting next week. The sectors are to be determined on the basis of the Risk Assessment Group reports, which will be released in the upcoming week. In the Czech Republic, booster vaccination shots against COVID-19 will be administered to those over 60 years old, immunocompromised individuals, and patients with chronic illnesses from September 20. In Ireland, offices and workplaces will return to face-to-face interactions on September 20. Employees are not required to specify their vaccination status. In Latvia, authorities have announced that citizens of Ukraine traveling to Latvia will be required to show a COVID-19 certificate applicable in the EU, Switzerland, or UK as of September 20. Moreover, Ukrainian citizens are also required to show the COVID-19 certificate available on the “Diya” application with a QR code for verification. 

Those operating or residing in Europe on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Germany: Road closures planned ahead of annual marathon in Berlin from September 20; allot for disruptions 

Reports indicate that multiple road closures are planned throughout the week from September 20 ahead of the annual marathon event in Berlin scheduled on September 25-26. The Strasse des 17 Juni between Yitzhak-Rabin-Strasse and Brandenburg Gate will be completely closed from 06:00 (local time) on September 20 until September 27. Additionally, the closure of Strasse des 17 Juni will be extended to the Grosser Stern from September 23 until 06:00 on September 27. The Yitzhak Rabin Street will also remain closed during this time. The Ebertstrasse between Behrenstrasse and Scheidemannstrasse will be closed from 06:00 on September 24. The area between the Federal Chancellery and the Reichstag will also be closed from 18:00 on September 24 until 06:00 on September 27. The Unter den Linden Street between Pariser Platz and Friedrichstrasse will be closed from 14:30 until 20:00 on September 25. The entire marathon route will be closed from 07:30-17:00 on September 26. Road closures will also be in place in Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukolln, Schoneberg, Steglitz, Wilmersdorf, and Zehlendorf. 

Those operating or residing in Berlin on September 20-27 are advised to allot for disruptions to traffic due to the planned road closures.   

 

Portugal: Ferry workers to hold partial strike in Lisbon area from September 21-23; allot for disruptions 

Workers from the Transtejo & Soflusa (TTSL) public ferry company will hold a partial strike impacting ferry travel on the Tagus River in the Lisbon metropolitan area from September 21-23. Workers will walk off their shift for three hours during the strike due to a salary adjustment dispute. Management from the participating Federacao dos Sindicatos de Transportes e Comunicacoes (FECTRANS) union has not announced what hours the workers will walk off shift. The strike is expected to impact ferry travel between Lisbon and Barreiro, Cacilhas, Montijo, Seixal, and Trafaria/Porto Brandao. Associated demonstrations have not been announced as of writing. 

Those operating or residing in Lisbon from September 21-23 are advised to allot for disruptions to ferry travel due to the slated partial strike.
 

Spain: Emergency alert issued due to volcanic eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 

According to the Instituto Geografico Nacional (IGN), a series of 6,632 earthquakes within 3.8 magnitudes on the Ritcher scale triggered the eruption of the Teneguia volcano in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 19. The Plan de Emergencias Volcanicas de Canarias (PEVOLCA), the regional emergency response agency has issued an emergency alert, the highest in a four-tier alert system following the eruption, in effect until further notice. Although ENAIRE, the national air navigation manager, has confirmed that air travel remains unaffected as of the morning hours (local time) on September 20, possible disruptions to air traffic can be expected in the coming hours. Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from the municipalities of El Paso, Fuencaliente, Mazo, Los Llanos de Aridane, and Tazacorte. Additionally, authorities have established a two-kilometer exclusion zone in the vicinity of the volcano. Road closures have also been established in both directions of LP301 and LP212 in El Paso, LP214, LP211, and LP213 in Los llanos de Aridane, LP105 in San Andres, and LP2 in Tajuya. Continued seismic activity is expected in the coming hours.  

Those operating or residing in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates regarding risks related to the eruption of the Teneguia volcano.  

 

Ukraine: Kherson International Airport (KHE) to remain closed from September 20 until end of 2021; reconfirm itineraries 

Authorities have announced the closure of the Kherson International Airport (KHE) in Kherson from September 20 until the end of 2021. The closure has been scheduled due to the planned reconstruction of the runway. KHE conducts flight services to Antalya, Istanbul, Krakow, Kyiv, and Tbilisi. According to reports, the Mykolaiv International Airport (NLV) in Mykolaiv will operate additional flight services during the slated closure of the KHE. 

Those intending to travel via the Kherson International Airport (KHE) on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to reconfirm itineraries and allot for disruptions due to the slated closure.  

 

Europe Notable Events

France & UK: London cancels defense summit with Paris amid AUKUS row, per September 20 reports; further repercussions likely near-term 

According to September 20 reports, France canceled a defense summit between French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly and British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. This follows the trilateral security pact announcement between Australia, the UK, and the USA (AUKUS) on September 15, which ended an Australia-France deal estimated to be worth 37 billion USD to build 12 conventional submarines. France recalled its ambassadors to Australia and the USA on September 17.   

While France did not recall its ambassador from the UK following the AUKUS announcement, the summit’s cancellation is notable as it highlights the government’s discontent with the UK’s decision to join the pact and risk deteriorating its alliance with France. The above is also indicative of the increased likelihood of additional repercussions in the near term. Despite the criticism, the UK is likely to continue defending AUKUS and its national interests, liable to further abate bilateral ties. The development casts doubt on the unity within NATO, liable to impair relations between France, the USA, and the UK as the row deepens, contingent on the manner of interaction between the allies. 

 

Ukraine & Russia: Kyiv imposes sanctions on State Duma election organizers in Donbas, Crimea on September 17; likely to escalate tensions 

On September 17, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) imposed sanctions on individuals involved in holding Russian parliamentary elections for residents of Donbas and Crimea. The sanctions will affect candidates, election commission members, and observers. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of violating international law by organizing elections in the contested territories and called on foreign governments and international organizations to expand sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Around 600,000 Russian passport holders in Donetsk and Luhansk were eligible to vote.  

That voting was carried out for Duma elections for the residents of Donbas and the Crimean Peninsula reiterates the Kremlin’s efforts to politically integrate the disputed territories with Moscow. The above assessment is supported by Moscow’s aggressive campaign to fast-track the process of issuing Russian passports for residents in Donbas, given that an additional one million people are expected to receive passports by the end of 2021. As such, the development is likely to prompt increased criticism against the Kremlin from the Western countries, with relations between Kyiv and Moscow remaining tense moving forward. 

 

Notable dates

September 21       

  • Belize: Independence Day       
  • Malta: Independence Day      

         

September 22        

  • Bulgaria: Independence Day   

       

September 24    

  • Dominican Republic: Lady of Mercedes Day   
  • Italy: Air Transportation Strike   
  • Trinidad and Tobago: Republic Day   

   

September 26    

  • Germany: Bundestag election   

   

September 27   

  • Paraguay: Battle of Boqueron Holiday    

 

September 28   

  • Belgium, France, Germany: Rail disruptions 
  • Czech Republic: Czech Statehood Day 

  

October 1 

  • Cyprus: Independence Day 
  • Spain: Protests in Barcelona  

 

October 2 

  • Spain: Protests in Barcelona 
  • USA: Rally in LA 

 

October 3 

  • Belgium: Protest in Brussels 
  • Germany: German Unity Day 
  • Spain: Protest in Barcelona 

 

October 4 

  • Saint Lucia: Thanksgiving 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 

  • Americas: Inclement weather conditions forecast across multiple countries as of September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates   
  • EcuadorGovernment bolsters military presence in 23 cities, including Quito, on September 19; security landscape to remain critical 
  • Mexico: Two dead, four injured following explosion in Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19; reflects statewide uptick in violent crime

Europe 

  • France & UK: London cancels defense summit with Paris amid AUKUS row, per September 20 reports; further repercussions likely near-term 
  • Spain: Emergency alert issued due to volcanic eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 
  • Ukraine & Russia: Kyiv imposes sanctions on State Duma election organizers in Donbas, Crimea on September 17; likely to escalate tensions

 

Americas Actionable Items

Americas: Chile administers COVID-19 vaccine to children as vaccination drives continue on September 20; remain cognizant of updates 

In Bermuda, authorities have imposed a nationwide nightly curfew from 00:30-05:00 (local time) through October 1. Essential services will be exempt from curfew restrictions. In the British Virgin Islands, authorities have shortened the territory’s nightly curfew by two hours to 01:00-05:00 until October 3. In Chile, starting from September 20, inoculations against COVID-19 will begin for children in the 6-13 years age group. Honduras will begin to inoculate individuals above the age of 15 with Pfizer’s COVID-19 from September 20. In Mexico, authorities in Mexico City will administer the second dose of COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals aged 30-39 on September 21-25. In Xochimilco, on September 26, the second dose will be administered to individuals in the 18-29 years age group who have been previously inoculated with Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine. In Peru, authorities have updated its four-tier COVID-19-related provincial restrictions and entry restrictions, to be in effect until October 3. Details can be found here. 

Those operating or residing in the Americas on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Americas: Inclement weather conditions forecast across multiple countries as of September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates   

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Peter, formed in the southern North Atlantic Ocean and expected to move north of the Leeward Islands. The storm system is forecast to cause floods in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on September 21. Separately, the Meteorological Service of Canada has forecast thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the southwestern region of Ontario including Dryden, Fort Frances, and Kenora until September 21.  Mexico’s Comision Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA) has issued alerts for floods and ordered evacuations due to the overflowing of the Tula River in Hidalgo. Additionally, Instituto Uruguayo de Meteorologia, Uruguay’s national weather agency, has issued orange alerts, the second-highest in a three-tier system, for heavy rains across northern regions including Artigas and Durazno. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings in central Tennessee and northern Alabama on September 20. Red flag warnings for critical fire weather remain in effect in northern California. Authorities have issued new evacuation orders due to ongoing wildfires near Sequoia National Forest as of September 20. 

Those operating or residing in the aforementioned regions in the Americas on September 20 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding weather-related risks and allot for associated disruptions to travel and public services. 

 

USA: Activists to hold protests coinciding with UN General Assembly in New York City, NY on September 21; allot for disruptions 

Activists will hold multiple protests coinciding with the UN General Assembly on September 21 in New York City, NY. A protest against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be held at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 45th Street at 08:00 (local time). A demonstration in favor of welcoming all Afghan refugees to the USA, providing humanitarian aid, and ending all drone strikes will be held at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 43rd Street at 10:00. A protest to stop the Amhara genocide in Ethiopia will be held outside UN Headquarters at 10:00. 

Based on social media interest, the demonstrations are liable to witness varying turnouts ranging from the mid-dozens to low hundreds, with the protests against Bolsonaro and to stop the Amhara genocide in Ethiopia likely to see the largest attendances. Although the demonstrations are liable to transpire largely peacefully, a bolstered security presence is likely at all protest locations and will be strongest felt outside UN Headquarters. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of all aforementioned protest locations from the morning hours onwards. 

Those operating or residing in New York City on September 21 are advised to allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the aforementioned protest locations from the morning hours onwards.  

 

USA: Protest march to be held from Benjamin Banneker Park in Washington, DC from 12:00 (local time) on September 21; allot for disruptions
Multiple activists and organizations, including CASA and FIRM Action, will hold a march from Benjamin Banneker Park to the US Capitol building in Washington, DC beginning at 12:00 (local time) on September 21. Demonstrators are planning to stop at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters along the march route. The march is being held under the banner of “Welcome Back Congress”, with organizers calling for Congress to address immigration reform, the care economy, and climate change.

Based on the mobilization capabilities of groups involved, the march is likely to witness a turnout ranging from the high hundreds to low thousands. Although the march is liable to transpire largely peacefully, a bolstered security presence can be expected along the march route to monitor proceedings and ensure adherence to COVID-19 restrictions. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic can be expected in the vicinity of the march route from 12:00 onwards. 

Those operating or residing in Washington, DC on September 21 are advised to allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the march route from 12:00 onwards.   

 

Americas Notable Events

Ecuador: Government bolsters military presence in 23 cities, including Quito, on September 19; security landscape to remain critical 

Ecuador has strengthened military and police reinforcements across 23 cities, including in Guayaquil and Quito, to control gang-related crime as of September 19. In Los Rios, close to 1,200 personnel were deployed on September 17. Officials reportedly identified 18 sites operating as potential clandestine runways used by criminal groups for narcotrafficking in Guayas, and 80 in Manabi. Guayas has recorded 536 gang-related deaths in 2021, with 440 deaths in Guayaquil alone.  

These developments reiterate the elevated threat associated with the increased inter-gang violence in recent months, especially in Guayas and Los Rios. That the US Embassy in Ecuador issued a security alert on September 16 for an “increase in violence” in Guayaquil supports this. Given that the Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia border regions, as well as the Gulf of Guayaquil, remain conducive for major transnational drug-trafficking operations, security checks and targeted operations will remain bolstered in these regions in the medium term. Considering the above, coupled with the heightened potential for violent retaliatory attacks by gangs, Ecuador’s overall security landscape will continue to remain critical going forward.  

 

Mexico: Two dead, four injured following explosion in Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19; reflects statewide uptick in violent crime 

The detonation of an explosive device left two individuals dead and four others were injured in the El Deportivo neighborhood of Salamanca, Guanajuato on September 19. Reports indicate that two individuals left a box containing the explosive device outside a restaurant located in Faja de Oro Avenue. Investigations into the attack are ongoing as of writing.  

The incident is reflective of the uptick in violent crimes in Guanajuato, with the state ranking among the most violent regions in the country for the second consecutive year despite increased security efforts. That Guanajuato has remained a key location of turf wars between prominent drug cartels such as Cartel de Sinaloa (CDS) and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) suggests that the attack is likely to have been carried out by individuals associated with the cartels. Moreover, the explosion also indicates a heightened threat to civilian bystanders given that that attack took place outside a restaurant when it was open to visitors. With that, similar attacks in Guanajuato are expected to continue going forward given the prevalence of turf wars in the region. 

 

Europe Actionable Items

Europe: Countries modify COVID-19 restrictions as national immunization campaigns continue on September 20; remain cognizant of updates 

In Belgium, effective October 1, face masks will no longer be required in workspaces in Flanders. However, face masks are mandatory for individuals working in healthcare, public transport, and any profession that requires contact with people. In Wallonia, the COVID-19 Safe Ticket is expected to be applied to certain sectors starting next week. The sectors are to be determined on the basis of the Risk Assessment Group reports, which will be released in the upcoming week. In the Czech Republic, booster vaccination shots against COVID-19 will be administered to those over 60 years old, immunocompromised individuals, and patients with chronic illnesses from September 20. In Ireland, offices and workplaces will return to face-to-face interactions on September 20. Employees are not required to specify their vaccination status. In Latvia, authorities have announced that citizens of Ukraine traveling to Latvia will be required to show a COVID-19 certificate applicable in the EU, Switzerland, or UK as of September 20. Moreover, Ukrainian citizens are also required to show the COVID-19 certificate available on the “Diya” application with a QR code for verification. 

Those operating or residing in Europe on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines and health procedures. 

 

Germany: Road closures planned ahead of annual marathon in Berlin from September 20; allot for disruptions 

Reports indicate that multiple road closures are planned throughout the week from September 20 ahead of the annual marathon event in Berlin scheduled on September 25-26. The Strasse des 17 Juni between Yitzhak-Rabin-Strasse and Brandenburg Gate will be completely closed from 06:00 (local time) on September 20 until September 27. Additionally, the closure of Strasse des 17 Juni will be extended to the Grosser Stern from September 23 until 06:00 on September 27. The Yitzhak Rabin Street will also remain closed during this time. The Ebertstrasse between Behrenstrasse and Scheidemannstrasse will be closed from 06:00 on September 24. The area between the Federal Chancellery and the Reichstag will also be closed from 18:00 on September 24 until 06:00 on September 27. The Unter den Linden Street between Pariser Platz and Friedrichstrasse will be closed from 14:30 until 20:00 on September 25. The entire marathon route will be closed from 07:30-17:00 on September 26. Road closures will also be in place in Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukolln, Schoneberg, Steglitz, Wilmersdorf, and Zehlendorf. 

Those operating or residing in Berlin on September 20-27 are advised to allot for disruptions to traffic due to the planned road closures.   

 

Portugal: Ferry workers to hold partial strike in Lisbon area from September 21-23; allot for disruptions 

Workers from the Transtejo & Soflusa (TTSL) public ferry company will hold a partial strike impacting ferry travel on the Tagus River in the Lisbon metropolitan area from September 21-23. Workers will walk off their shift for three hours during the strike due to a salary adjustment dispute. Management from the participating Federacao dos Sindicatos de Transportes e Comunicacoes (FECTRANS) union has not announced what hours the workers will walk off shift. The strike is expected to impact ferry travel between Lisbon and Barreiro, Cacilhas, Montijo, Seixal, and Trafaria/Porto Brandao. Associated demonstrations have not been announced as of writing. 

Those operating or residing in Lisbon from September 21-23 are advised to allot for disruptions to ferry travel due to the slated partial strike.
 

Spain: Emergency alert issued due to volcanic eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates 

According to the Instituto Geografico Nacional (IGN), a series of 6,632 earthquakes within 3.8 magnitudes on the Ritcher scale triggered the eruption of the Teneguia volcano in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 19. The Plan de Emergencias Volcanicas de Canarias (PEVOLCA), the regional emergency response agency has issued an emergency alert, the highest in a four-tier alert system following the eruption, in effect until further notice. Although ENAIRE, the national air navigation manager, has confirmed that air travel remains unaffected as of the morning hours (local time) on September 20, possible disruptions to air traffic can be expected in the coming hours. Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from the municipalities of El Paso, Fuencaliente, Mazo, Los Llanos de Aridane, and Tazacorte. Additionally, authorities have established a two-kilometer exclusion zone in the vicinity of the volcano. Road closures have also been established in both directions of LP301 and LP212 in El Paso, LP214, LP211, and LP213 in Los llanos de Aridane, LP105 in San Andres, and LP2 in Tajuya. Continued seismic activity is expected in the coming hours.  

Those operating or residing in La Palma, Canary Islands on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates regarding risks related to the eruption of the Teneguia volcano.  

 

Ukraine: Kherson International Airport (KHE) to remain closed from September 20 until end of 2021; reconfirm itineraries 

Authorities have announced the closure of the Kherson International Airport (KHE) in Kherson from September 20 until the end of 2021. The closure has been scheduled due to the planned reconstruction of the runway. KHE conducts flight services to Antalya, Istanbul, Krakow, Kyiv, and Tbilisi. According to reports, the Mykolaiv International Airport (NLV) in Mykolaiv will operate additional flight services during the slated closure of the KHE. 

Those intending to travel via the Kherson International Airport (KHE) on September 20 and in the coming days are advised to reconfirm itineraries and allot for disruptions due to the slated closure.  

 

Europe Notable Events

France & UK: London cancels defense summit with Paris amid AUKUS row, per September 20 reports; further repercussions likely near-term 

According to September 20 reports, France canceled a defense summit between French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly and British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. This follows the trilateral security pact announcement between Australia, the UK, and the USA (AUKUS) on September 15, which ended an Australia-France deal estimated to be worth 37 billion USD to build 12 conventional submarines. France recalled its ambassadors to Australia and the USA on September 17.   

While France did not recall its ambassador from the UK following the AUKUS announcement, the summit’s cancellation is notable as it highlights the government’s discontent with the UK’s decision to join the pact and risk deteriorating its alliance with France. The above is also indicative of the increased likelihood of additional repercussions in the near term. Despite the criticism, the UK is likely to continue defending AUKUS and its national interests, liable to further abate bilateral ties. The development casts doubt on the unity within NATO, liable to impair relations between France, the USA, and the UK as the row deepens, contingent on the manner of interaction between the allies. 

 

Ukraine & Russia: Kyiv imposes sanctions on State Duma election organizers in Donbas, Crimea on September 17; likely to escalate tensions 

On September 17, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) imposed sanctions on individuals involved in holding Russian parliamentary elections for residents of Donbas and Crimea. The sanctions will affect candidates, election commission members, and observers. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of violating international law by organizing elections in the contested territories and called on foreign governments and international organizations to expand sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Around 600,000 Russian passport holders in Donetsk and Luhansk were eligible to vote.  

That voting was carried out for Duma elections for the residents of Donbas and the Crimean Peninsula reiterates the Kremlin’s efforts to politically integrate the disputed territories with Moscow. The above assessment is supported by Moscow’s aggressive campaign to fast-track the process of issuing Russian passports for residents in Donbas, given that an additional one million people are expected to receive passports by the end of 2021. As such, the development is likely to prompt increased criticism against the Kremlin from the Western countries, with relations between Kyiv and Moscow remaining tense moving forward. 

 

Notable dates

September 21       

  • Belize: Independence Day       
  • Malta: Independence Day      

         

September 22        

  • Bulgaria: Independence Day   

       

September 24    

  • Dominican Republic: Lady of Mercedes Day   
  • Italy: Air Transportation Strike   
  • Trinidad and Tobago: Republic Day   

   

September 26    

  • Germany: Bundestag election   

   

September 27   

  • Paraguay: Battle of Boqueron Holiday    

 

September 28   

  • Belgium, France, Germany: Rail disruptions 
  • Czech Republic: Czech Statehood Day 

  

October 1 

  • Cyprus: Independence Day 
  • Spain: Protests in Barcelona  

 

October 2 

  • Spain: Protests in Barcelona 
  • USA: Rally in LA 

 

October 3 

  • Belgium: Protest in Brussels 
  • Germany: German Unity Day 
  • Spain: Protest in Barcelona 

 

October 4 

  • Saint Lucia: Thanksgiving Day