Germany is ramping up security measures in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, set to take place from June 14 to July 14 across 10 German cities.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced the extensive plans, urging fans to enjoy the event while ensuring their safety.
Faeser, who also oversees sports, stated that a substantial security presence will be maintained throughout the tournament. “We will deploy 22,000 police officers daily to ensure the security of the European Football Championship,” she said on Deutschlandfunk radio.
Encouraging the public, Faeser added, “I urge everyone in Germany to look forward to this tournament and enjoy it.”
The tournament is expected to provide a respite for fans, allowing them to focus on the national team’s performance and momentarily set aside concerns about domestic and international political issues. However, recent events have highlighted the importance of stringent security measures.
German anti-terrorism police recently arrested a 23-year-old man suspected of being affiliated with ISIS. The suspect, identified as Sofian T., had applied for a security guard position at Euro 2024 fan zones.
Upon reviewing his security profile, authorities discovered his name on a list of suspected terrorists. He was detained at Cologne Bonn Airport, holding German, Moroccan, and Polish citizenships.
Faeser emphasized the importance of security, stating, “We will have 22,000 federal police officers on duty every day specifically for the European Football Championship.”
She highlighted various threat scenarios, including lone-wolf attacks similar to a recent incident in Mannheim where a police officer was fatally stabbed by an Afghan migrant.
Security remains a top priority, but Faeser also called on the public to make the most of the event. “I say to everyone in Germany: look forward to the tournament. Go and enjoy it.”
She concluded by expressing hope that the championship will offer a period of relaxation and enjoyment, allowing people to support their national team without being overshadowed by the ongoing challenges in foreign and domestic politics.
