Germany is preparing to respond to possible security threats during Euro 2024 football in order to protect teams and fans at a time when military conflicts occur in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
“From the very beginning, safety has been our top priority,” said Philipp Lahm, tournament director.
The goal is to protect the 2.7 million spectators expected at the games, the bases of the 24 teams participating in the competition, which runs from June 14 to July 14, and the 10 stadiums hosting the 51 games.
To respond to possible threats, Germany will open the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) in Neuss, with all countries participating in the tournament sending experts, about 300 people in total are expected.
The functions, together with the German authorities, Europol and UEFA, are to control and coordinate all security measures from a huge 500 m2 conference room equipped with 129 computers.
“Each country knows better than anyone else who might be causing problems, and foreign experts present in Neuss will be able to identify them more quickly,” explained Oliver Strudhoff, director of the IPCC.
The official explained that the size of delegations at this center depends on the danger of fans, giving the example that England will have many more representatives than in the case of Switzerland.
Security will also be strengthened at borders, on trains and stations, and at airports, with special attention paid to the Ukrainian national team.
“Special protection measures will be in place in Ukraine,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faser recently said.
Between 800 and 1,300 police will be stationed around the stadiums, and three security perimeters will be created to protect surrounding areas: one where vehicles will be controlled, a second more restricted for fans on foot, and a third where spectators will have to scan their tickets.
Areas dedicated to fans will also be subject to close surveillance, especially in central Berlin, which can accommodate tens of thousands of visitors per game.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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