Germany Implements Temporary Border Controls for Paris 2024 Olympics
Germany is set to implement temporary border controls at the German-French border during the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. This decision, announced by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, aims to ensure the highest level of security through close cooperation with French authorities.
Details of the Border Controls
The Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. During this period, Germany will enforce temporary border controls to safeguard against potential security threats.
Notification to the European Union
Germany will notify the European Union of these temporary border controls shortly. This measure is intended to mitigate any potential risks during the international event.
Changes in Existing Border Controls
Germany will lift the nationwide border controls introduced during the European Football Championship at the borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg on July 19. Instead, there will be a shift to undercover surveillance and targeted checks.
Continued Border Controls with Other Countries
However, controls at the land borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland will remain in place. These measures aim to curb the influx of illegal migration and people smuggling and are set to continue until November or December 2024.
Impact of Euro 2024 on Security Measures
Fewer Security Problems Than Expected
German authorities reported fewer security problems and crimes than expected during the European Championship. The tournament concluded with minimal incidents, contrasting with violence seen in some past tournaments.
Statistics from Euro 2024
- Attendance: About 2.6 million people attended matches in the 10 host cities, with another 6 million watching games in designated fan zones.
- Arrests and Offenses: There were approximately 170 arrests, 320 temporary detentions, and 2,340 offenses linked to the tournament, including 700 involving bodily harm and 120 thefts.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the country’s preparedness for various threats, from terrorism to cyberattacks and dangerous drone flights.
Extended Border Controls During the Olympics
Germany’s ramped-up border checks for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament are ending, but temporary controls at the French border will continue for the Olympics. These measures are in cooperation with French authorities to ensure the security of the event.
Timeline for Border Controls
- Effective Period: The border controls will be in effect during the Olympic Games, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
- Post-Olympics: After the Olympics, Germany will continue intensive undercover surveillance and targeted controls.
Additional Measures
Germany currently has internal border controls with several EU member states. These controls will remain in place until mid-December 2024 for most countries, except for Austria, where they will end on November 11, 2024.
FAQs
Germany is implementing border controls with France to ensure the highest level of security during the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
The border controls will be in effect during the Olympic Games, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Germany will lift the nationwide border controls with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg on July 19, but controls at the borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland will remain until later in the year.
After the Olympics, Germany will continue with intensive undercover surveillance and targeted controls to maintain security.
Germany had fewer security problems than expected, with about 170 arrests and 2,340 offenses recorded during the tournament. The country was prepared for a wide range of threats, ensuring a mostly trouble-free event.
