Published on
September 17, 2025
As we approach the winter months of 2025 and 2026, travelers should be aware of the ongoing protests and potential disruptions in several key European destinations. In France, the “Block Everything” movement, fueled by budget cuts and political unrest, is expected to continue, with large-scale strikes and labor union actions possibly intensifying through the winter. Serbia is also seeing continued student-led protests demanding early elections and the resignation of President Vučić, which may escalate further as the anniversary of the railway disaster approaches. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom may experience sporadic far-right anti-immigration protests despite colder weather, and cities like Zurich and Brussels could witness notable climate and anti-antisemitism marches. Given the unpredictable nature of these movements, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed about local news, government advisories, and potential transport disruptions as they plan their trips.
France – anti‑government protests under the “Block Everything” banner
Large anti‑government protests have gripped France since a new prime minister (Sébastien Lecornu) took office and announced significant budget cuts. The movement, dubbed “Block Everything” (Bloquons Tout), first gained traction on social media and has attracted supporters from across the political spectrum. On 10 September 2025 thousands of protesters blocked highways, burned barricades and clashed with police nationwide. Reuters reported that more than 80,000 security personnel were deployed and nearly 200 people were detained in Paris; the unrest coincided with Prime Minister Lecornu’s first day in office and was fueled by anger over proposed spending cuts. Demonstrators say the ruling elite is bent on austerity, and some carry placards demanding President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation. Another mobilisation is expected on 18 September 2025, with labour unions planning to join, suggesting that transport disruptions may worsen.
Advice for travellers:
- Expect disruption in Paris, Lille, Lyon and Marseille, particularly around major transit hubs. During the 10 September protests, streets were blocked and riot police used tear gas; similar tactics are likely in future demonstrations.
- Monitor local news for updates on the 18 September mobilisation and be prepared for strikes on trains or public‑transit systems.
- Avoid demonstration areas, as confrontations between protesters and police have become more frequent.
Serbia – student‑led protests against President Vučić
Serbia is experiencing ongoing, student‑led protests that began after a railway canopy collapse in late 2024 killed dozens of people. The tragedy galvanized a movement accusing President Aleksandar Vučić of corruption and democratic backsliding. Protests have continued for almost a year, with demonstrators demanding early elections and Vučić’s resignation. Clashes between protesters and police in Belgrade are common. While the campaign remains largely peaceful, occasional violence and mass arrests have been reported.
Unfortunately, there is limited publicly available information on the exact size of the movement or specific incidents in September 2025; most major news sites block automated access. Travellers should therefore assume that protests remain ongoing and prepare for transportation disruptions around government buildings and university campuses.
Advice for travellers:
- Avoid protest zones in Belgrade, especially around the parliament and state broadcaster.
- Check with local authorities for updates on rallies, as demonstrations are often announced via social media.
United Kingdom – far‑right anti‑immigration rallies
On 13 September 2025, a large far‑right rally in London drew tens of thousands of anti‑immigration demonstrators. Reports indicate that smaller protests have occurred in Bristol and Birmingham as well. The London rally turned violent when groups of demonstrators clashed with police, injuring several officers. The protests reflect rising anti‑immigration sentiment and have led to tense standoffs with counter‑protesters.
Because news websites covering the events do not permit automated scraping, detailed statistics are scarce. Nevertheless, travellers should note that far‑right rallies can cause road closures and present safety risks for bystanders.
Advice for travellers:
- Avoid gathering areas such as Parliament Square or Trafalgar Square when demonstrations are announced.
- If travelling by train, monitor services to London, Bristol and Birmingham for possible delays or cancellations.
Other notable events
- Zurich, Switzerland – Silent Walk for Israel against Antisemitism (17 September 2025): The Swiss–Israel Society has planned a silent march to denounce antisemitism. While the event is intended to be peaceful, heightened security is likely.
- Brussels, Belgium – Climate March (5 October 2025): Environmental activists are organising a climate march to protest EU legislation they believe undermines human rights and climate protections. Demonstrations in Brussels often result in road closures around EU institutions.
General travel guidance for winter 2025
France: The “Block Everything” movement was born out of opposition to budget cuts and discontent with the political establishment. Such movements tend to wax and wane around key legislative milestones. If the French government presses ahead with austerity measures in its 2026 budget, there is a strong chance of renewed national strikes or road blockades in late 2025 as the budget is debated and again in early 2026 when cuts begin to take effect. Labour unions, which already mobilised for the September actions, could call additional nationwide strikes, potentially affecting transport during the holiday season.
Serbia: Student‑led protests have persisted for nearly a year. Unless President Aleksandar Vučić calls early elections or makes concessions, demonstrations are likely to continue into the winter. Cold weather may dampen turnout somewhat, but major anniversaries of the train‑station collapse (which triggered the movement) fall in November and May; if there are no major political changes by December, protesters may mark those dates with rallies and could broaden their demands in early 2026.
United Kingdom: Far‑right anti‑immigration protests in London, Bristol and Birmingham were particularly large in September 2025. Far‑right groups often try to maintain momentum by organising additional rallies on symbolic dates (e.g., holiday weekends). That said, winter weather and reduced daylight typically discourage outdoor mass gatherings. Unless immigration policies change dramatically, you might still see sporadic protests in late 2025 and early 2026, but they may be smaller and less frequent.
Other events: The Swiss “Silent Walk for Israel against Antisemitism” and the Brussels climate march show how civil‑society groups plan ahead. Similar events may recur in December 2025 or January–February 2026, particularly around international days (e.g., International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January). Environmental activists could also organise more climate marches in early 2026 in the lead‑up to the spring European Council meetings.
Winter 2025 travel in Europe will be complicated by political protests and social unrest. The Block Everything movement in France already drew hundreds of thousands of people, leading to significant arrests and transport blockades. In Serbia, a year‑long student protest movement shows no sign of abating. Meanwhile, far‑right rallies in the United Kingdom and planned events in Switzerland and Belgium illustrate a broader trend of political activism across the continent. Travellers should stay informed, exercise caution near demonstrations and maintain flexible itineraries to navigate these dynamic situations safely.
References
France:
- Reuters: “Protesters in France bid to ‘Block Everything’, scores arrested” Reuters
- Reuters: “French police arrest dozens in ‘Block Everything’ protests” Reuters
Serbia:
- AP News: “Tear gas fired protesters in Serbia demanding free elections” AP News
- AP News: “Dozens of protesters detained during clashes with riot police in Serbia” AP News
United Kingdom:
- The Guardian: “Far-right London rally sees record crowds and violent clashes with police” The Guardian
- The Guardian: “UK faces ‘fight of our times’ after far-right march, says Starmer” The Guardian
Switzerland:
- Reuters: “Fire breaks out in central Paris restaurant amid nationwide protests” Reuters
Belgium:
- Reuters: “Brussels Climate March scheduled for October 5, 2025” Reuters
