May 16 – The head of the European Union’s police agency says he is “extremely concerned” about a possible attack on Euro 2016 in France, saying the tournament is an “attractive target” for terrorists.
Recalling the recent attacks in Paris and Brussels, Europol director Rob Wainwright, in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, said guarding all public places poses massive challenges for security forces.
According to Wainwright, it is “impossible” to monitor all potential terrorists 24 hours a day.
“It is shockingly easy to attack soft targets like cafes, restaurants or a concert hall,” Wainwright told the newspaper. ” “I am extremely concerned about the upcoming European soccer championship. It is an attractive target for terrorists.””
The tournament starts on June 10 and runs for a month at 10 stadiums around France. Some 2.5 million spectators are expected for 51 matches involving 24 teams. Wainwright called for an “upgrade” of terrorist units” to face “the brutality of these attacks.”
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