Football World Championship 2024 - Authorities assure safety during the European Football Championship in Leipzig.
The upcoming European Football Championship brings a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies in Saxony, particularly in Leipzig. "The EM occurs amidst a time of crises, which makes it drastically different from the World Cup in 2006," Leipzig's police spokesperson Olaf Hoppe told the German Press Agency in a recent interview. The recent spate of terrorist attacks in various European nations has impacted society and increased the range and intensity of police tasks.
To help tackle the elevated security needs, police in Leipzig are receiving support from all police stations in Saxony, including the Special Police Force. The Saxon Ministry of the Interior has also been contacted to obtain further support from other police forces in the state. Police offices are prepared for various scenarios through extensive exercises, Hoppe highlighted.
Collaboration with the Czech Police on the opening day
During the match between Portugal and the Czech Republic on June 18, a joint unit of Czech and Saxon police officers will be on-site. In addition to helicopters, a police drone defense will be deployed due to potential threats from unmaned aerial systems. A constant dialog takes place with the Saxon Police Headquarters, Leipzig's fire department, and the city, Hoppe added.
Prioritizing the Croatia vs. Italy encounter
Although the authorities remain confident about the overall security of the event, they are paying special attention to the match between Italy and Croatia on June 24 due to the strained relationship between supporters of the two teams. Although other games in Leipzig are primarily about security for all visitors to the city, particularly at the fan zone, this game will receive extra focus.
"We're sure that the EM will be peaceful, with the focus on sport and the four games in Leipzig being a benefit to the city," the police spokesperson concluded. But the match between Italy and Croatia, due to the tense relations between their fans, will be under heightened surveillance. Despite this, the authorities are optimistic about the overall security of the tournament, where sports take center stage. This means that duty plans have been rearranged, with little to no vacation time for staff, and only 10% of employees in all of Saxony can take leave. These officers will either have to make up for their overtime during the EM or spend their vacation time with their families. Thus, not only the European Football Championship will pose a challenge, but also the rest of the summer months.
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- The European Football Championship in Leipzig falls under the jurisdiction of Saxony's Ministry of the Interior, who are working closely with local authorities to ensure safety.
- The Match between Italy and Croatia during EM2024 in Leipzig is of particular concern due to the historically strained relationship between their supporters, necessitating a mammoth task in drone defense and police presence.
- The German Press Agency reported that Saxony's police forces are collaborating with their counterparts in neighboring countries, including Italy for EM2024, and are receiving support from regional and state police forces.
- The Ministry of the Interior has allocated resources to support Leipzig's police forces in their preparations and will ensure that helicopters and drone defense systems are available for the match between Italy and Croatia to protect against potential threats from unmaned aerial systems.
- Leipzig's police spokesperson, Olaf Hoppe, stated that extensive exercises are being conducted to handle various scenarios and that surveillance will be heightened during EM2024, particularly for high-risk matches like the one between Italy and Croatia.
- Security officials have communicated the importance of a united response across all sectors, including participation from the fire department and local authorities, to ensure the safety of spectators and maintain order in Leipzig during EM2024.
- The Euro 2024 Championship in Leipzig will direct significant focus on security and order, requiring the rescheduling of vacation periods for police officials in Saxony, resulting in a challenging demand on resources throughout the summer months.
