BERLIN — The European Championship in Germany, which concluded on Sunday with Spain’s victory over England in the final, was a resounding success in terms of security. The country’s top security official, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, revealed on Monday that the number of security incidents and crimes during the month-long tournament was significantly lower than expected.
Germany had been on high alert and had taken all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the millions of people who attended matches in the 10 host cities and watched games in the designated fan zones. The Interior Ministry reported that about 2.6 million people attended matches, while another 6 million watched games in the fan zones.
Despite these large numbers, the tournament was relatively peaceful and there were only isolated and minor incidents. The total number of arrests during the tournament was 170, with 320 temporary detentions. The police recorded about 2,340 offenses, including 700 cases of bodily harm, 120 thefts, and 140 cases of violence against police officers.
This success can be attributed to the high police presence across the country, which was a crucial factor in maintaining the safety and security of the event. Interior Minister Faeser highlighted the importance of this in her statement, saying, “Above all, the very high police presence across the country was decisive in this.” The German authorities were well-prepared for any potential threats, ranging from Islamist terrorism to hooligan violence, cyberattacks, and even dangerous drone flights.
In addition to the strong police presence, Germany also introduced temporary border controls at all its frontiers during the tournament, as is standard practice during major events in Europe’s Schengen area. These controls will remain in place until Friday and will then be dropped at the borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. However, in light of the upcoming Olympic Games, the government has ordered checks on the border with France as a precautionary measure.
Furthermore, Germany has decided to maintain longer-standing border checks on its eastern and southern borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. These checks were initially put in place due to concerns about migration and will continue to be enforced.
The success of the security measures during the European Championship is a testament to Germany’s ability to handle large-scale events with efficiency and expertise. The country has once again proven that it is well-equipped to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and visitors.
The smooth running of the tournament has also been praised by international organizations. The UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) has commended Germany for its efforts in hosting the event and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Not only did Germany provide a safe environment for football fans, but it also showcased its ability to handle major events with ease. This bodes well for the country’s future as it prepares to host the upcoming Olympic Games in 2024.
In conclusion, the European Championship in Germany was a great success, both on and off the field. The country proved its ability to handle large-scale events and maintain the safety and security of its citizens and visitors. The low number of security incidents and crimes is a testament to the effective measures put in place by the authorities. Germany can now look back on the tournament with pride and continue to set an example for other countries hosting major events in the future.
