Security - NRW Minister of the Interior draws a positive half-time balance of the European Championships
In total, around 400 individual incidents have been recorded - of illegal use of pyrotechnics (150), insults (20), and bodily harm (60). 133 people were taken into custody for various reasons. With over a million spectators in the North Rhine-Westphalia stadiums and on the streets and squares, this is a very positive balance: At most Bundesliga derby weekends, there is more going on.
After a brawl between Serbian and English supporters at the edge of the high-risk match between the two countries, several participants were identified and arrest warrants were obtained. The four-and-a-half-year preparations paid off. Around 4500 law enforcement officers were deployed to the four stadiums. For the NRW police, there is a leave ban during the EM duration.
At almost all matchdays, drones were spotted at the stadiums. All drones were repelled using a special technique. The pilots were not terrorists, but harmless private individuals who were carelessly or unknowingly flying their drones.
- Herbert Reul, the president of the CDU in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), commended the police's handling of security at the European Football Championship (EM) matches, citing the positive half-time balance sheet.
- Despite the incidents of illegal use of pyrotechnics during the tournament, including 150 instances in North Rhine-Westphalia stadiums and streets, the Champions League-like atmosphere was largely maintained.
- In Düsseldorf, the authorities had to manage not only the European Football Championship but also a series of demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause, adding to the security challenges.
- Herbert Reul, along with other political leaders, stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security during the tournament, as the European Football Championship is not just a sporting event, but also a showcase of European unity.
- The Police in NRW, under the leadership of Herbert Reul's CDU, implemented strict measures during the EM, including a leave ban for its officers during the tournament, to ensure the safety of millions of soccer fans.
- The Chief Prosecutor's Office in North Rhine-Westphalia will be focused on bringing to justice those responsible for the incidents that marred the European Football Championship, such as the violent clashes between Serbian and English supporters in high-risk matches.
