Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

France beefs up security measures ahead of Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Olympic rings are seen on the Eiffel Tower Friday, June 7, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Olympic rings are seen on the Eiffel Tower Friday, June 7, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Copyright  Aurelien Morissard/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
Copyright Aurelien Morissard/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
By Euronews with AP
Published on Updated
Share this article Comments
Share this article Close Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copy to clipboard Copied

The planned six-kilometre sailing route down the Senne has become a major talking point for its unique open-air event setup and its exposure to potential danger.

ADVERTISEMENT

France is increasing security measures in preparation for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics next month.

Military helicopters will patrol the city and protect airspace on the day of the ambitious 26 July ceremony, which is proving to be a serious security challenge. 

Around 200 Olympic delegations will join the regatta of more than 80 boats down the Senne. They will make the journey along a six-kilometre route, which has become a major talking point for its unique open-air setup and its exposure to potential danger. 

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the route would be inside a high-security zone described as an “anti-terrorism perimeter,” including the first row of buildings along the route. 

Nunez said anyone who wants to enter the zone in the days before the ceremony and on the day itself will need to pre-register online and undergo a background check. 

Tourists will not be given free access to watch the opening ceremony due to security concerns, the French government decided. 

In April, security concerns had previously led French President Emmanuel Macron to say the ceremony could shift to the Stade de France if the threat level were too high. However, no alternatives are being prepared at this stage.  

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share this article Comments

Read more

France's interior minister says plan to attack Olympic football events foiled

'A dangerous tool': France employs measures to keep 'potential terror threats' away from Olympics

'Sorry my love': Italy flagbearer loses wedding ring in Seine during opening ceremony