Earlier this week the U.S. Department of State released a travel warning for Europe travel this summer. The warning is specific enough to name the Euro 2016 tournament, being held in Paris, and World Youth Day in Poland as potential targets of terrorist attacks.
From the State Department:
France will host the European Soccer Championship from June 10 – July 10. Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe. France has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2- 24.
The Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event is expected to draw up to 2.5 million visitors to Krakow, Poland, between July 26 and July 31. U.S. citizens should be aware that local infrastructure may be strained due to the large number of visitors. Poland will impose border controls at all of its national borders from July 4 to August 2, and visitors to Poland during this period should be prepared to show their passport and undergo stricter security screening throughout Poland.
The warning says travelers should remain vigilant, keep aware of surroundings, stay in touch with family, and listen to authorities in the event of an emergency.
It’s safe to assume that this warning, a very rare one at that, stemmed from a recent discovery on the laptop of one of the Paris attackers that the Euro tournament is a target.
The State Department is merely doing their due diligence in informing the public of the potential for a bad situation. Like I mentioned in my previous post regarding the Summer Olympics in Brazil, you should bet that an event as large as the Euro tournament (especially one garnering this much media attention) will be closely watched and guarded by every authoritative level of law enforcement in France and beyond.
Should you be scared? No.
I’m going to Italy in September and honestly can’t wait!
Bottom Line
Go to the Euro tournament. Go to World Youth Day (I went in 2005 in Cologne). Live your life and have fun.
Are you having second thoughts about traveling to Europe this summer?
You know, my experience doesn’t huge, but in 5 countries I’ve been and the last one was 3 months ago. The one I understand is Europe is friendly in any cases, it feels in tasting the cuisine in a super fashionable restaurant (better in the local cafe) or traveling with the backpack. You’ll find an awesome people and stunning sightseeing and landscapes. So don’t afraid even now in a little bit dangerous world. traveling is so interesting )
I’m in Europe in a couple of weeks and to be honest it’s the first time that sort of thing has ever affected a decision of mine. Super comfortable going to Europe but decided not to go a Euros match. To be honest though, I’m really just as happy in a bar watching the football as long as there’s a bit of atmosphere. It’s just a bit of a strange one for me because I completely agree with your assessment but recent events have clearly gotten to me.
Perfectly understand your decision! It’s a scary world out there. Safe travels and thanks for reading!!