Germany will carry out border controls at all its frontiers during UEFA EURO 2024 in June and July, the country’s top security official told local media.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told the daily Rheinische Post in comments published today that checks will be carried out at all German borders during the tournament ‘to be able to prevent possible violent criminals entering.’ She added that ‘this is necessary to protect this major international event as best possible.’

Authorities’ focus is on protection against terrorists and other extremists, hooligans and others, and securing networks against cyberattacks, she said.

Faeser’s comments come shortly after the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall.

However, the decision to restore border checks during the soccer tournament had long been expected. It has become standard practice for countries in Europe’s nominally ID check-free travel zone known as the Schengen area during big sports events and major summits.

Germany already is carrying out checks on
its eastern and southern borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland as a result of concerns over migration.

The UEFA EURO 2024 starts on 14 June, with host Germany playing Scotland in the opening match in Munich. The final will be played in Berlin on 14 July.

Source: Oman News Agency