German police officers have been warned they are not to fly the national flag from their vehicles this summer as the nation gears up to host the European Football Championships.
All national insignia has been banned from official vehicles during Europe’s flagship football tournament with officers ordered to remain strictly impartial.
In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik revealed that police officers had been banned from taking vacation during the tournament but, when asked if they could show their support for the German national team by attaching a “small flag” to their vehicles, shot the idea down.
“No, that’s not allowed. We are committed to neutrality and are, of course, absolutely impartial at such an international sporting event with guests from all over the world,” she told the newspaper.
“We are currently considering alternatives to strengthen the solidarity of our colleagues during this intensive and outstanding period of work for everyone. For the vast majority of people, there is also a vacation ban,” she added.
The police chief in the German capital revealed that preventative measures were being taken to safeguard against the “threat from the Islamist spectrum or in connection with the Middle East conflict,” a threat that is being “continually reassessed” in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office.
One measure includes the concept of “drone defense” around sporting venues which is a prerequisite by the footballing governing body UEFA for host nations of the tournament.
“We have been working with this technology for years and have observed market developments. Efficient drone defense is a very complex topic. We chose a system that has already proven itself and is very modern. It can interrupt or take over control of drones,” Slowik said.
Euro 2024 will kick off across Germany on June 14, with the final to be held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14.