The group has been carrying out numerous direct action protests in Austria since 2022, including blocking roads, confronting politicians and taking to the streets.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer welcomed Last Generation’s decision shortly after the announcement, writing on X: “I’m glad this nonsense is over.”
Last year, the prime minister described the group’s protests as “extremist” and compared them to far-right movements.
Austria, like all other EU countries, is lagging behind in meeting its climate goals. Vienna is currently facing a violation procedure from the European Commission because it has yet to submit a draft National Energy and Climate Plan, a key document that outlines how officials will meet their share of the bloc’s 2030 emissions reduction targets.
The group said the decision to end the protests was “infinitely sad” but it was hopeful that new opportunities would arise. The group said the protests would continue, but did not specify what form they would take.
Climate activists across Europe have faced increased government crackdowns in recent years in the form of bans, prison sentences and fines. Last Generation said in a statement that some members still face high fines and legal costs as a result of their protest activities.
