Environmental activist group Italy’s Ultima Generazione followed the footsteps of prominent movements like Stop the Oil and Scientific Revolt, turning a famous architectural landmark into a public stage for its message. The target this time was Peace Arch, a symbol of Milan and a place recognized for its quiet dignity in the city’s landscape.
Around a dozen activists participated, smearing certain parts of the monument with pink paint as part of a coordinated action. The protest occurred alongside ongoing discussions about peace and the broader context of the war between Israel and Palestine, as well as Italy’s stance on arms production and support for Israel. The message was clear: weapons fuel conflicts, and those who wield power and wealth can shape events to the detriment of the vulnerable and the planet. The demonstrators asserted that climate crisis and social breakdown have long-term roots in unequal power dynamics, and they viewed civil resistance as a necessary response to systemic inertia.
Police reports indicated that several participants were detained during the action, with some clinging to the pavement near the monument as authorities moved in. The scene drew immediate attention from local observers and news outlets covering civic protest in Milan, highlighting the tension between expressive activism and public space regulation.
Ora—the color of arco della Pace in Milan—was a point of emphasis for the organizers, who sought to draw attention to a larger call for respect for constitutional values. A post from the Riparazione Fund | Ultima Generazione, dated November 15, 2023, echoed this sentiment, underscoring a commitment to public accountability and the protection of civic norms through peaceful but persistent action.
In a separate development, supporters of Ultima Generazione extended their campaign to Rome, where the Trevi Fountain became another focal point. The broader objective was to draw attention to climate policy and the perceived inaction of political leaders in the face of escalating climate risks. The demonstrations reflected a consistent pattern: strategic sit-ins, symbolic gestures at iconic sites, and a message urging policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures to curb fossil fuel dependence.
Earlier actions set the tone for the movement’s tactics. In October, members staged a high-profile protest on the A4 motorway, halting traffic for two hours. The blockade involved activists gripping the asphalt at key junctions between Turin and Milan. The aim was to highlight the severity of the climate crisis and to challenge what they view as political inaction on climate change. The insistence on frontline, high-visibility actions is paired with a narrative that frames climate inaction as a civil rights concern, arguing that the health and future of communities depend on decisive action from those in power.
Additionally, in May, the activists drew attention to fossil fuels by pouring carbon and dark liquid into fountains in a bold, cinematic gesture. The sites—the Fontana di Trevi and the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Navona Square—were chosen for their global recognition and their symbolism as reservoirs of culture and history. The group’s demand was straightforward: end the use of fossil fuels and transition to sustainable alternatives, a message presented with dramatic, attention-grabbing visuals intended to spark public dialogue.
The Italian government has since moved to address protest activity with new legislation aimed at curbing vandalism against artistic works and public heritage. The proposed bill contemplates fines and potential criminal sanctions of up to 60,000 euros for those who damage monuments or other cultural assets. Critics argue that the measure may threaten the right to peaceful assembly, while supporters contend it could deter property crimes and protect shared cultural assets for future generations. The balance between safeguarding art and permitting legitimate civic expression remains a central point of debate in policy circles.
Within the same regulatory arc, the Vatican City Court recently issued a ruling involving climate activists linked to protests at iconic statues. A nine-month prison sentence was suspended, and financial compensation was assessed in a case connected to a demonstration at a renowned Laocoön statue. The decision was framed as a reminder that civil disobedience in the name of climate action can carry penalties, while also reflecting the judiciary’s attempt to distinguish non-violent protest from offenses that carry heavier consequences. The outcome was cited by both supporters and critics as indicative of the broader legal landscape surrounding climate activism in Italy and within the Vatican’s jurisdiction.