EURO 2024: Maximum security tightening before G-hour

POLICE ACROSS EUROPE JOIN THE INVESTIGATION

From hooliganism to terrorism, from racism to cybercrime, the list of challenges facing the host nation of EURO 2024 is endless. Security forces will have to ensure the safety of 2.7 million spectators and 24 teams across 10 stadiums during 51 matches. In addition, there are approximately 12 million people in designated fan zones. Tournament director Philipp Lahm stated: "From the beginning, we identified security as our number one priority."

Germany wants to ensure the highest level of security for EURO.

For the first time in history, Germany invited over 500 police officers from other countries to assist in maintaining security for the EURO tournament. All countries with teams participating in the finals sent representatives to the International Police Cooperation Centre (IPCC) in Neuss. IPCC Director Oliver Strudthoff explained: "Police officers from each country are knowledgeable about the types of troublemakers within their own country. They will be experts, helping us to identify sources of trouble more easily. The number of experts from each country varies depending on the number of fans accompanying their team and the complexity of those fans. For example, there will be more British police officers than Swiss police."

Depending on the situation, there will be approximately 800 to 1,300 police officers stationed at each stadium for each match. Currently, the Serbia-England match on the morning of June 17th (Vietnam time) has been identified as a high-risk game that security will pay special attention to. Around 40,000 English fans and 8,000 Serbian fans, including about 500 hooligans, are expected to travel to Gelsenkirchen.

DEALING WITH "LONE WOLF" IS THE MOST DIFFICULT

According to counter-extremism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler, one of the most difficult aspects of security work is not actually dealing with dangerous organizations that pose a significant threat, but rather dealing with isolated acts of violence. For example, a lone wolf silently entering a fan zone and then suddenly attacking.

Security is the top priority at EURO 2024.

Last week, police arrested someone who was preparing to cause trouble at EURO. This individual had applied for a job in a department involved in organizing the EURO. German Interior Minister Nancy Fraeser described the arrest as a "great success," demonstrating the effectiveness of Germany's entry checks. Checks at borders and all entry points into Germany have been significantly increased in recent days.

Counter-terrorism is a perennial issue. According to security expert Johannes Saal of the University of Lucerne, major sporting events always present special opportunities for terrorism. This is a concern in crowded areas, such as fan zones. Media reports suggest that the biggest threat to security at this EURO comes from hooligans and issues related to the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian team has qualified for the EURO while Russia remains under sanctions. Therefore, ensuring the security of the Ukrainian team, from their accommodation to their matches, has become a crucial task.

Despite all the difficulties, Minister Fraeser still believes that fans from all over the world can relax and enjoy a fun EURO tournament this summer. Fraeser said: "This is not a trap waiting for you to fall into. This is a major event that has been carefully prepared and well-organized. The rest is just a small matter depending on the fans themselves. Don't come to cause violence. We acknowledge the existence of all risks and will do everything we can to deal with them."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/euro-2024-siet-chat-an-ninh-toi-da-truoc-gio-g-185240614000525131.htm