Football match announced for later today. - Prepared for the commencement of the European Championship? Police reinforce personnel for the occasion.
At the upcoming European Championship, security is a top priority. With wars and international tensions looming, many wonder if the month-long tournament can still be a festive event. The security authorities in Baden-Württemberg are optimistic. The risks involved, police preparations, and what fans can expect will be discussed.
How has the situation changed since the 2006 World Cup?
Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) considers the situation a "mega-challenge" due to the global scenario. War in Europe and escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have raised concerns for security. The German security authorities have reported an increase in threats from Islamic terrorism. Militant Islamists aim to cause chaos in Germany and call for attacks. Additionally, mass events like the EM could provide a platform for protests from those who are dissatisfied. With all these factors, the overall risk level has increased since the 2006 World Cup.
How many police officers and rescue workers are involved in the EM?
Thousands of security forces are preparing for the EM. Over 6000 volunteers, 1000 additional firefighters from the German Red Cross, and other services are set to join. To handle the numerous football fans and visitors, the police and rescue services will be deployed in Stuttgart and beyond. For high-risk games, up to 2500 additional officers will be deployed from state and neighboring areas. Over 1000 firefighters are being doubled, and the German Red Cross anticipates 6000 volunteers across the nation.
What dangers are the authorities primarily preparing for?
The potential dangers have been carefully considered. Food poisoning, weather disasters, gas attacks, and mass attacks are among the situations being prepared for. Drones and helicopters are being used to ensure safety in the airspace. Camera surveillance and drones are being installed in the city at Eckensee and Schlossplatz, as well as 15 cameras in total. An increase in police forces is expected at the borders, train stations, and the airport. Stuttgart has installed barriers on roads to control access during the event.
How are the individual games in Stuttgart being assessed?
The five matches in Stuttgart are examined in terms of risk. The semi-final and the final are both categorized as high-risk games due to the sheer number of fans expected. The semi-final is considered the most risky because it is expected to draw significant crowds. The final, although a high-risk game, is less critical due to the spectacle of the event. Group stage matches are reserved for medium-risk status, as they are likely to attract large numbers of fans. The first game, an opening match, is considered a low-risk affair, with lower attendance levels.
Which games are considered the most dangerous in Stuttgart?
The games featuring Germany and Scotland are deemed the most dangerous due to concerns surrounding the infamous Hungarian hooligan scene. The first match between Germany and Hungary, and the match between Scotland and Hungary, carry these risks. Both games pose unique challenges: "Slovenia against Denmark is not as explosive as the games involving Germany and Scotland," said Eisenbraun. Fans are also important factors, with Scottish fans known for being peaceful but drunk, while Ukrainian and Belgian fan behavior is uncertain, depending on their political situation.
Have any heads of state announced their attendance?
No confirmation of attending heads of state has been shared by the police yet. "We expect representatives from all the countries that have registered so far," Eisenbraun stated. However, there are ongoing negotiations. Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister and a dedicated football fan, is expected to show up at least once, if not twice.
How many foreign fans are predicted to attend?
No exact figures have been provided on the number of foreign fans arriving for the EM. However, the high-risk games attract millions of fans, raising concerns about possible incidents. The authorities are aiming to provide adequate coverage and safety measures during the tournament.
In summary, the European Championship is fraught with security challenges in this war-ridden era. With over 2 million visitors expected, the state of Baden-Württemberg is taking extensive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. High-risk games, dangerous crowds, and potential terror attacks are among the concerns for those in charge. The police and security services, along with the support of volunteers and emergency responders, are prepared to tackle these issues and ensure a safe environment for football fans.
The Federal Police anticipate most attendees traveling by car and train, but they're also contemplating budget flights to Baden-Airpark and Friedrichshafen. In Stuttgart alone, they predict between 50,000 and 100,000 fans from Scotland will show up, with many hooligans from the chaotic and flamboyant Hungarian hooligan scene joining in. These issues are predicted to be particularly prevalent at Stuttgart's main train station, where years of construction work have caused problems, especially with the huge influx of arriving fans. Law enforcement is expected to be significantly increased to up to 2,500 officers during peak times, with uniformed police officers from participating countries also on site. "When crimes are detected, we'll act with a low tolerance for intervention," stated the head of the Baden-Württemberg police headquarters in Stuttgart, Carsten Laube.
What steps are the federal government and states taking to prevent possible dangers?
The International Police Coordination Center (IPCC) in Neuss will likely serve as the central hub for analyzing security-relevant information pertaining to the tournament and for information exchange between the federal government and the states. Police personnel, along with experts from the Federal Intelligence Service, the Federal Intelligence Service, and the Federal Office for Information Security, will be present at the IPCC. Their areas of focus include general criminals, organized crime, politically inspired crimes, hooliganism, and crowd management at stadiums. Baden-Württemberg police are represented in various roles at the IPCC through 16 officers and employees.
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- Given the Middle East conflict and tensions in Europe, the security situation for the European Championship is a significant concern.
- Police in Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, are reinforcing their personnel for the upcoming soccer event, treating it as a "mega-challenge".
- Thomas Strobl, the Interior Minister of Germany (CDU), believes the European Championship presents a unique set of security challenges due to global instability and conflicts.
- The German police and rescue services are working together, with thousands of officers and volunteers preparing for potential dangers, including terrorist attacks and mass attacks.
- The potential dangers facing the European Championship in terms of security include gas attacks, drone incidents, and weather disasters, among others.
- The Middle East conflict and tensions in Ukraine have led to an increase in threats from Islamic terrorism, targeting Germany and other European nations.
- Militant Islamists aim to disrupt the European Championship, considering it an opportunity to cause chaos and promote their extremist ideology.
- Scotland has announced it will send a large number of soccer fans to the European Championship, compounding the security challenges in Baden-Württemberg.
- Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, has issued threats against Israel and its supporters in the context of the soccer event.
- European authorities are working closely with countries affected by terrorism, such as the UK, to ensure the security of the European Championship.
- In the face of these challenges, European soccer fans are expected to face increased security measures, including increased police presence and thorough searches at stadiums and public venues during the EM in Stuttgart.
Source: www.stern.de
