Euro 2016: France Counterterrorism Strategies

France has suffered terrorist attacks since the end of WWII.
The situation changed dramatically with the civil war in Syria, with young French-born people finding in it a call to a supreme cause. In less than three years, thousands of youngsters went to Syria to wage jihad. The sudden spread of radical terrorism (or jihadism) with attacks on Charlie Hebdo and Hypercasher (January 2015) and on Bataclan, Stade de France and the streets of Paris (November 2015) was a shock for most of the administration and government. Moreover, jihadist publications like Dabiq or Dar-al-Islam call for the 'punishment' of France through massive attacks.

Regarding the recent past, the June scheduling of the European football championship was a major challenge for the government and security forces.
The organization in France of a world-class competition like the European Football Championship in the month of June in Paris, is a huge challenge for security.

Moreover, Islamic terrorism or jihadism is not the sole threat. On 5 June a young Frenchman was arrested in Ukraine with a huge arsenal of weapons. As reported by security sources he was planning to use it in attacks in France. The 25-year-old, who was allegedly linked to far-right groups, according to police and the media, was planning to use the weapons in possible attacks on synagogues or mosques.

In conclusion, France has made incredible efforts in security regarding such a large and complicated event (matches have to be played in various places). Obviously, perfection does not exist in security issues but it seems very difficult to do better on so large a scale. Vigilance, intelligence and purpose will be the three key words of this sensitive period.

• Primary Source

ISPI: Commentary: Euro 2016: France Counterterrorism Strategies [PDF] http://www.ispionline.it/sites/default/files/pubblicazioni/commentary_daguzan_08_06.2016.pdf

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