Fan zones maintained for Euro 2016 despite security fears

Photo credit: AFP.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve (above) confirmed Tuesday that fan zones will be maintained but with increased security during Euro 2016 despite recent terrorist attacks which left 130 dead in France. The attacks included three large explosions caused by suicide bombers outside the Stade de France — where the Euro 2016 final will take place — during a friendly between France and Germany.

“The tragedy of Nov. 13, which took place in part in the vicinity of a sports venue, forces us to take the necessary measures to ensure the event takes place in the best conditions,” Cazeneuve said after an emergency meeting of the tournament’s steering committee at the French Interior Ministry.

“Everyone is mobilized. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure that everything takes place in the best conditions and that the fan zones can be organized,” said Cazeneuve.

“The organization of these fan areas are the subject of ongoing assessments that will lead us to update or change our plan of action.”

Cazeneuve said that video surveillance would be reinforced along with security personnel, with additional needs being dealt with on a case by case basis.

Euro 2016 organizing committee chief Jacques Lambert said he was delighted that the fan zones would be maintained.

“UEFA always said that the fans zones would be what the cities would decide to do,” said Lambert.

“There is no dogmatic view but a form of flexibility to adapt the fan zone to the budget and environment. What emerges from the new security requirements is that we’ll go even further towards flexibility.”

Euro 2016 will take place from June 10-July 10 in 10 host cities across France.