Euro 2024 Tournament - Concerned excitement: fragile security circumstances at the European Football Tournament
One hundred percent security is unattainable, even for a European Championship free from violent hooligans, terrorism, or cyberattacks. As the German national team begins the tournament against Scotland on Friday night at 9 p.m., both the DFB team and the security forces, including German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, are under significant pressure.
Germany seeks a second summer fairy tale, but the escalating situation in the Middle East, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and the recent attack in Mannheim are tempering enthusiasm. "The situation is tense," admitted Faeser. This tensions exist in all areas, including cybersecurity, Islamism, and others. However, there is no concrete evidence of any planned attacks during the EM.
48% of the population is concerned about the potential for terrorist attacks during the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 14 in Germany. According to a survey by YouGov and the Sinus Institute, 12% are very concerned, while 35% are somewhat concerned. 24% are not too concerned, and 12% are not concerned at all. 16% of those surveyed didn't form an opinion or didn't answer.
Soft targets like stadium entrances and public viewings are more vulnerable to attacks. French fans were attacked in Paris during a 2015 game between the German and French football teams, and Swedish fans were attacked in Brussels last year. Terror expert Johannes Saal told dpa that the risk of attacks is higher in the public realm because protecting large crowds is more difficult.
German authorities have been preparing for potential dangers for years to ensure that the 2.7 million fans in the stadiums and up to 12 million spectators on the fan miles can enjoy the tournament. With adjusted measures based on recent events, authorities aim to provide maximum security.
A police control center in North Rhine-Westphalia has been set up to monitor the security situation during the EM. Over 600 officers work at the "International Police Cooperation Center" in Neuss. Authorities are also deploying around 350 foreign police officers throughout Germany. High visibility from the police will be apparent at all arenas. The Federal Police will secure the German border, airports, and train stations. Officials have even increased their focus on potential lone wolves after the recent knife attack in Mannheim in which an Afghan permanently disabled a police officer.
The International Police Cooperation Center in Neuss is monitoring the security situation, with over 600 officers working on the task. This includes both domestic and foreign police. 350 foreign officers will be deployed in Germany during the tournament, and the police presence will be visible at stadiums and everywhere else there are large crowds. The Federal Police will secure the German borders, airports, and train stations for incoming national teams and fans. Officials have also been monitoring potential lone-wolf threats more closely since the recent knife attack in Mannheim.
With all these precautions in place, both Faeser and Lahm remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming tournament. "I trust our security authorities, but complete security does not exist in today's world," said Lahm. The minister also urged people to enjoy the games, stating, "Enjoy the tournament. Go there." Despite the inherent risks, the EM is still expected to be a massive football party for Europe.
Ultimately, the external and internal political climate seems difficult, making it necessary to re-evaluate security precautions regularly. Faeser asked the public to attend the games regardless of the situation. Tournament organizers aim to provide maximum security for fans to enjoy the event. Despite potential concerns, the major football festival can still take place safely.
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- Despite the ongoing tension in European Politics, particularly with Russia's aggression in Ukraine and the Middle East, Germany remains focused on delivering a successful European Football Championship (EFC).
- Germany's DFB squad and security forces face intense pressure to ensure the EFC is free of any violent incidents, including acts of racism, hooliganism, and potential cyberattacks.
- The European Football Championship (EM) is of significant importance to Germany, as a win could offer a second summer fairy tale following their success in the 2014 World Cup.
- With 48% of the population concerned about potential terrorist attacks during the EFC, the German authorities are working tirelessly to minimize risks and maintain safety, particularly at "soft targets" such as stadium entrances and public viewing areas.
- The German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser (SPD), and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin are both committed to making the EFC a secure event, with Faeser stating that the security situation is "tense" in all areas, including cybersecurity and Islamism.
- In preparation for potential threats, a police control center has been established in North Rhine-Westphalia to monitor the security situation during the EM, with over 600 domestic and foreign police officers on duty.
- To further strengthen security measures, foreign police from various countries have been deployed throughout Germany, with a visible police presence at stadiums and other crowded areas to deter lone wolf attacks, following the knife attack in Mannheim.
- The Federal Police will also heighten security at Germany's border checkpoints, airports, and train stations to protect incoming national teams and fans during the EFC, ensuring that the tournament proceeds without any major security concerns.
- Although concerns about security remain, prominent figures such as former German footballer Lahm and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser implore the public to enjoy the EFC and attend games with confidence, knowing that the German authorities have implemented extensive precautions to secure the event.
- Despite the perceived difficulties in political and security circumstances, the EFC is expected to attract millions of spectators, making it a massive football party for Europe, and a testament to the unity and resilience of European Football.
- The German Press Agency recently reported that YouGov's survey showed that 48% of respondents expressed concern about the security threat during the EFC, while 35% expressed moderate concern and 24% were not overly concerned. Regardless, UEFA is taking all necessary measures to ensure the EM runs smoothly and securely.
