This risk assessment evaluates a targeted demonstration scheduled in Athens on July 23 at the offices of Intrum, protesting foreclosures and auctions. It provides insights for businesses to manage potential disruptions to operations, mobility, and personnel safety during this civil disturbance.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Civil Disturbance Events?
Civil disturbance risk assessments evaluate how protests and demonstrations impact urban mobility, workplace safety, supply chains, and public services. They enable businesses to prepare for disruptions, mitigate risks to operations, and ensure staff welfare through timely intelligence.
Executive Summary
- Date of Incident: 23 July 2025
- Location: Athens, Greece
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 85%
A targeted demonstration is scheduled in Athens on Wednesday, 23 July, at the offices of Intrum, protesting foreclosures and auctions. Based on historical analysis, this event is likely a single-day occurrence, potentially spanning several hours into the evening. While the primary target is a specific business in Marousi, such protests in Athens frequently involve marches through central districts, leading to broader disruptions. Previous events indicate a moderate likelihood of localized clashes with security forces and minor property damage. Road closures and public transport diversions are highly probable in the immediate vicinity of the protest target and along potential march routes. The overall severity is assessed as moderate, with high confidence given the predictable patterns of organized demonstrations in the Greek capital.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
The primary sensitive area is the vicinity of Intrum’s offices in Marousi, specifically around Kifisias Avenue. Additionally, central Athens areas such as Syntagma Square (adjacent to the Hellenic Parliament), the National University (Propylaea), Omonoia Square, and major banking institutions along Panepistimiou and Stadiou Streets are commonly affected sensitive areas during large-scale protests.
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Road Closures: Based on common protest patterns in Athens, road closures are highly probable along major arteries in Marousi (specifically Kifisias Avenue around Intrum offices) and potentially in central Athens areas like Panepistimiou Street, Stadiou Street, and around Syntagma Square if a march ensues.
- Transport Disruption: Public transport services, including bus routes, trolleybuses, and potentially tram lines (if affecting central Athens), will experience significant diversions and delays. Metro station entrances near protest areas (e.g., Syntagma, Panepistimio, Omonoia) may be temporarily closed. Taxi services will be impacted by traffic congestion and road closures.
- Utility Damage: Utility damage is generally limited to minor incidents such as damaged public bins, bus shelters, or street lighting. Widespread or critical utility infrastructure damage is unlikely for this type of demonstration.
- Business Operations: There is a likely disruption to businesses near the protest area, including forced closures and reduced customer access, consistent with prior demonstrations.
Recommended Actions
- Advise all Athens-based employees to monitor local news for potential transport disruptions and consider staggered work hours or activate full remote work protocols for Wednesday, 23 July, especially for personnel whose commute or office location could be impacted.
- Operations and Security teams must secure physical assets and office premises in Athens. This includes ensuring all ground-level windows and doors are locked, valuables are out of sight, and surveillance systems are fully operational.
- Assess and pre-emptively reschedule any client-facing appointments, deliveries, or external meetings planned for Wednesday that require physical presence in potentially affected areas of Athens.
- Establish an internal incident monitoring team to track real-time developments of the demonstration. This team should issue timely internal updates to all staff, ensuring clear communication channels are open for employee queries and emergency reporting.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 100
- Fire Department: 199
- Ambulance: 166
- National Emergency: 112
- Official Government Websites:
- Hellenic Police: https://www.astynomia.gr/
- Ministry of Citizen Protection: https://www.minocp.gov.gr/
- City of Athens: https://www.cityofathens.gr/
Final Thoughts
The baseline scenario for this demonstration involves a largely peaceful gathering focused on the target offices, with minor localized traffic disruptions. However, a moderate escalation could involve a larger crowd or a march through central Athens, leading to wider road closures, public transport delays, and potential minor clashes. A severe escalation, though less probable, could see widespread clashes, significant property damage, and prolonged unrest across Athens. Businesses should prepare for potential operational disruptions and prioritize employee safety by implementing flexible work arrangements and maintaining clear communication channels.
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