With its weak infrastructure, Germany might not look like the best candidate to host important world football tournaments. Also, current security concerns have raised serious doubts about Germany’s suitability to host the UEFA European Football Championship (EURO).
This blog dives into the security-challenged situations that make Germany a much less viable option for a site hosting this prestigious event. While Germany has been testing its potential to reach major events abroad, the scale and nature of UEFA’s European Championship introduce new complexities that could expand options and capabilities.
The Complexity of Modern Security Threats
In a generation where security threats are increasingly complex and unpredictable, hosting large-scale global events such as the UEFA European Football Championship poses significant risks. The increased profile of such events attracts a range of threats, from terrorism to cyber-attacks. Germany, despite its strong security apparatus, faces unique challenges that could undermine its ability to safely host the championship.
1. Threats of Terrorism
Germany has been the target of numerous high-profile terrorist attacks in recent years. The Berlin Christmas market attack in 2016 and the Paris attacks in 2015, which were planned by terrorists based in Germany, underscore the constant threat of terrorism. The capacity for comparable attacks during a high-profile event such as the EUROs increases the need for comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism measures.
Despite Germany’s advanced security features, the UEFA European Championship itself, with tens of millions of fans gathered in various cities, offers an important mission. Ensuring the protection of all participants while maintaining public safety would require an in-depth and likely overwhelming security presence.
In 2021, Germany recorded 34 terrorism-related arrests, reflecting a wider trend across the EU, which saw a total of 388 arrests that year. The predominant charges involved membership in terrorist organizations and the planning of attacks.
2. Political Extremism
Germany has also seen the rise of political extremism. Far-right and some far-left agencies ended up being more vocal and visible, with instances of violent clashes and protests. At major international events, these businesses can also use the opportunity to escalate demonstrations or confrontations. The possibility of violent clashes between extremist corporations and counter-protesters, or between protesters and the general public, could create dangerous conditions for both locals and traffic.
The presence of extremist corporations represents a large-scale security project, as ensuring the protection of all involved while stopping escalation could require a significant and possibly disruptive security effort.
3. Cyber Security Threats
In addition to physical security threats, cyber security has become an important issue. The virtual infrastructure supporting this kind of large-scale event could be a prime target for cyber-attacks. Hackers could potentially disrupt ticketing systems, attack verbal exchange networks, or perhaps target key infrastructure.
Germany’s digital security skills are among the best in Europe, but the scale of the UEFA European Championship brings complexities that could stretch resources thin. A successful cyber-attack could compromise the security of the occasion, disrupt operations, and create chaos between lovers and officials.
Over 70% of German companies reported experiencing a successful cyberattack in the past year, with 52% enduring six or more attacks. This positions Germany as one of the top three most targeted countries worldwide, behind Mexico and Australia.
Infrastructure Limitations
1. Stadium Security
While Germany boasts some of the finest football stadiums in the world, ensuring their protection during a top-class event presents challenging situations. The demand for excellent security assessments, crowd control, and surveillance in and around stadiums should strain current resources. The range of security required for multiple locations in exceptional cities provides an additional layer of complexity.
2. Public Transport
Germany’s public transport system is the greenest in Europe, but during a top-class international event, the influx of fans may want to strain the system. Increased passenger volume can strain security protocols, making it difficult to effectively screen and control huge crowds. Adding to the security concerns is the possibility of attacks on the capabilities of public transport networks, which include trains and buses. Rural areas encounter difficulties, with around 12% of residents in sparsely populated regions heavily dependent on personal vehicles due to insufficient public transportation options.
Historical Precedents
1. Previous Incidents
Historically, Germany has faced challenging situations in managing security during massive events. For example, at some point during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Germany had to deal with numerous security threats and protests. Although the event took place without major incidents, it highlighted the complexities involved in securing such large-scale activities.
Reviews from other events advocate that at the same time as Germany can deal with essential soccer tournaments, the evolving protection landscape and the size of the UEFA European Championship are giving new and expanded challenges.
2. Comparison with Other Hosts
Compared to various potential hosts, Germany’s security-challenged situations may also seem tougher. Countries with a much less recent history of terrorism and political extremism, or countries with extra isolated or controlled opportunity environments, may pose fewer risks. This assessment highlights the exact security challenges Germany faces and raises questions about whether it could effectively manage these dangers.
Conclusion
Germany does not have a history of having top-notch infrastructure. This is why it doesn’t make them a strong contender for worldwide soccer tournament hosting. However, the complex and evolving security landscape presents enormous challenges that raise concerns about its suitability to host the UEFA European Football Championship.
The constant threat of terrorism, growing political extremism, and cyber security risks coupled with infrastructure boundaries underscore the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted security approach.
As security threats continue to evolve, it is vitally important for each host kingdom to balance the excitement and benefits of hosting core global activities with the need to ensure the protection and safety of all members and spectators. Whether Germany can successfully deal with these challenging situations remains an important question for the fateful considerations of hosting the UEFA European Football Championship.
