The European championship starts in France, despite the threat of terror strikes and weather fears

10 June in France starts the final part of Championship of Europe on football. The first match between the French and Romanian teams will be held at the Stade de France, one of the targets of the gunmen behind the attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015.

In the championship this year for the first time 24 teams are participating. According to some estimates, France arrive not less than eight millions of fans.

On the eve of the start of the championship the French authorities take increased measures to ensure security as the terrorist group «Islamic state» announced its intention to carry out attacks during the football tournament. For protection sports and other facilities aimed 45 thousand policemen, ten thousand soldiers and 13 thousand employees of private security agencies.

Security forces believe the likely attempt of the explosions in crowded places. In addition, recently it was reported that French and German intelligence agencies fear the new tactic of terrorists: the use of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles for spraying toxic substances over the crowd in a public place, or even just water and flour with the aim of provoking panic.

The terror threat is just one of the factors undermining the European Championship in France. The country is still not fully overcome the consequences of floods caused damage amounting to about half a billion euros.

In addition, the ongoing strike of trade unions. Striking railway workers, workers of oil refining industry and many others. One of the last was a strike of the garbage service in Paris, which is why on the streets of the capital began to accumulate foul-smelling piles of garbage that attracts rats. Next week is expected to strike of pilots of Air France. Strikes and protests are often accompanied by clashes with police.

Despite the challenging environment, the French government categorically ruled out the possibility of lifting the championship. President Francois Hollande has promised to hold this celebration of sport at the highest level. French leaders believe that will demonstrate the vitality of the state, is able to continue to operate despite the strikes and the threat of terrorism.
 [israel-today.ru]
10/6/16
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