Anticipation grows as European Championships approach, causing heightened security concerns.
Over the next ten days, the European Football Championship kicks off in Germany, and authorities are gearing up for a "major operation," assures and warns Interior Minister Faeser. A recent incident in Nuremberg serves as a reminder of the "tense" situation.
Shortly after midnight, stadium visitors at the Max-Morlock Stadium were barred from leaving. The emotional opening game ended in a 0:0 tie between Ukraine and National Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team. However, the match was suddenly interrupted with an announcement over the loudspeakers about a "concrete danger situation in the outer area of the stadium." The officials even ordered Nagelsmann's team to remain in the arena. Thankfully, 30 minutes later, the situation was resolved, and authorities confirmed there was no threat.
However, the incident highlighted the precarious security situation, particularly as the tournament nears. The Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, stressed the tense atmosphere at a press conference. "There are currently no concrete threat indications," she admitted, "but we are fully prepared for a 'major operation.' You cannot give 100% security."
The expected 12 million fans from across Europe will attend the games in the coming weeks. Security is of the "highest priority," according to Olaf Scholz, as he had just visited the national team and left shortly before the sudden exit ban was announced. Police took the situation very seriously, but it took them 30 minutes to determine there was no real threat.
The numerous threats don't just include Islamic terrorism or cyber attacks, but also hooligans and other violent criminals. "Preventing and combating all imaginable dangers" is the top priority, both federally and at the state level. Germany's political climate, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, is posing significant challenges.
The police plan to have a "high presence" at all venues and heavily populated areas. Faeser wants a "peaceful football festival." She and NRW's Interior Minister Herbert Reul acknowledge that while they are well-prepared, "100% guarantee" of safety is virtually impossible.
To increase security, around 350 police officers from participating European countries will assist German officials, specifically France. A central police control center will be established in Neuss with over 500 square meters of space to connect all governmental threats together throughout the tournament (June 14-July 14).
German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann had already cautioned about the "dark sides" of hosting the tournament in Germany. In response, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reaffirmed her plans to reintroduce border controls for the entire nation during the European Championship. Even hooligans and other unruly fans may make their way into Germany, he speculated.
Faeser hopes for "another summer fairy tale" as a result of the incident, even though the initial alarm was triggered by a lost suitcase.
