Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits IPCC 2024

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he is not a "top expert" in soccer, but he can recognize an offside. On Friday, the chancellor was not talking about soccer rules, goals and results, but about security during UEFA EURO 2024: he was a guest at the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) 2024.

He was welcomed by Herbert Reul, for whom the trip to Neuss is already a home game. The NRW Minister of the Interior has already been a guest on the grounds of the training center, which has been transformed into an information hub for the tournament, several times. Police officers from all over Europe will live and work here under one roof during UEFA EURO 2024.

The head of IPCC 2024, Oliver Strudthoff, presented Olaf Scholz with a pennant in typical soccer style and the IPCC 2024 coin in typical police style. Interior Minister Reul and Strudthoff then gave the Chancellor, Parliamentary State Secretary Mahmut Özdemir and other high-ranking guests a tour of the IPCC 2024.

Chancellor talks to employees of IPCC 2024

In one of the recreation areas, Scholz spoke to numerous national and international employees of IPCC 2024 and asked them about their tasks, mood, challenges and much more.

The visitors then took a look at the dormitories where the emergency services will be staying during UEFA EURO 2024. During this tour of the property, Oliver Strudthoff made it clear how important it is that all employees feel comfortable and welcome on site.

"Our colleagues are away from home for many weeks and do a great job here. That's why we want everyone to feel comfortable. This also includes getting a good night's sleep so that they are fit for their next shift," said Strudthoff.

Olaf Scholz takes a look at the heart of the IPCC 2024: the information center

The tour concluded with a visit to the information center, where the heart of the IPCC 2024 beats. In the converted auditorium, police officers from all over Europe are working to ensure that Germany remains a safe place during UEFA EURO 2024.

More than 130 people will find space and technical equipment here at the same time to share their findings on security aspects and fan groups. They collect, evaluate and manage all security-related information about the mega event.

Federal Chancellor: "A great achievement!"

Olaf Scholz was visibly impressed and interested and also took the time to gain first-hand impressions of the IPCC 2024 from his national and international colleagues.

"Successful European Championship matches are not only down to the teams, but also to those who provide security. At the International Police Cooperation Center in Neuss, the federal and state governments, police officers from all over Germany and from other countries are working together. A great achievement!"

IPCC 2024 ensures the best possible international cooperation

Several hundred security forces from all over Europe are guests at the national and international information hub in the Neuss training center of the NRW police for the duration of the soccer tournament and work together in 24/7 shifts.

The IPCC 2024 does not conduct operations and is not a police authority. By collecting, evaluating and managing all information relevant to the camp and in the form of a comprehensive situational picture, the IPCC 2024 ensures the best possible cooperation between the deployed national and international police forces and other federal security partners for the tournament.