CAI’s Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) has been actively monitoring several activist related events in Europe over the past several weeks. All of which are impacting businesses, conferences, sporting events, tourist attractions and travel.
In the last 72 hours, groups of eco-activists have conducted protests and caused disruption around Europe in a bid to push forward their environmental demands.
- In Ibiza, Spain, a heavily traveled destination this time of year was broken into by Spanish activist where they vandalized private jets on the tarmac using black and yellow paint. They then posted pictures on social media holding signs which read “ Your Luxury = Our Climate Crisis.” The group call for the adoption of a plant-based food system and made demands of the government.
- In Ibiza Sunday, two climate change activists vandalized a $300 million super yacht owned by billionaire Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie by spraying red and black paint from fire extinguishers. They then posted images in front of the damaged yacht on social media holding signs which read “You Consume Others Suffer.”
- Also in Ibiza, the group staged a protest at a luxury report in Cala Jondal and displayed signs reading “Jets and yachts, the party’s over”, “You consume, others suffer” and “Private jets and mega yachts = Climate Injustice + energy.”
- In Germany different activist groups clashed with less tolerant truck drivers of Air Liquide, which supplies gases and services to various industries including medical, chemical and electronic manufacturers.
- On July 5th anti-oil activist disrupted play twice on Day 3 of the Wimbledon tennis tournament releasing orange confetti during matches.
- In May, activist gathered in Marid, Spain protesting the planned construction of an octopus farm.
- Last June, activist vandalized art pieces at various museums in Europe. Some used paint while others glued themselves to the art.
The number of in person activist campaigns in Europe grew in 2022, and companies have reported an increase in activity against their company the first two quarters of this year. Many with operations in Europe have acknowledge the increase and reported an increase in shareholder directed activism. Almost all have said they expect more aggressive activism in the future.
Additional Data:
- The number of in-person protest increased in 2022 from prior years.
- In 2022, the largest number of protests occurred in the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland.
- Many corporations have reported that they have been approached by activist groups more than once over the last year and almost half said they were contacted multiple times.
- Company boards have reported that they have had serious, in-depth conversations specifically about the threats posed by activist groups to their company.
- Corporations with market capital over $2 billion dollars were significantly more likely to be targeted by activist groups.
- Although activist demands vary, most demands made focus around topics of better operational efficiencies and improvements, opposing acquisitions and mergers, and the lowering of costs to the consumer.
- These incidents have expected to lead a greater number of unsolicited or hostile takeovers.
CAI GSOC advises that travelers prepare for enhanced security measures at events and extended travel times, Most demonstrations attract a large crowd, causing traffic disruptions and oftentimes involved acts of vandalism. Law enforcement in European countries are traditionally less sympathetic to these groups especially those who are disruptive and cause damage and will swiftly engage these groups which oftentimes leads to clashes and violence. It’s recommended that only essential travel be made into these areas during this time. Those moving through the area should remain aware of their surroundings, stay in touch with family or coworkers and limit the use of public transit, taxis, and ride share programs during these times.
For clients utilizing CAI’s GSOC services, please check your text and email services for additional information.
