German police step up their presence in key public areas ahead of Euro 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

“We’re readying for all imaginable dangers with high levels of deployment from all security authorities,” said German interior minister Nancy Faeser, who said Germany is preparing for all manner of threats, from hooligans to terrorists to cyber criminals.

German police will be supported by police from other countries participating in the tournament, and extra border controls have already been temporarily introduced.

Euro 2024 will hold matches in 10 cities, including four in the densely populated Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, easily accessible from neighboring countries via some of the best rail links in Europe. The tournament presents opportunities for soccer-related violence, which has been increasing steadily in Europe since 2021.