Increased Security at the Europa League Finals

The systematic services of over 5,000 employees of the Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI) will supplement the regular law enforcement routine in order to ensure public order, decongest traffic, prevent fires and intervene in emergency situations at the Europa League finals of May, 9th.

The Europa League finals are to be played between the Spanish teams Atletico Madrid and Atletic Bilbao at the Bucharest National Arena.

Throughout the duration of the match 2,900 policemen, 1,600 gendarmes, 700 firefighters and 100 border policemen will be on duty, according to an MAI media release.

‘Moreover, given the complexity of this sports event, it has been decided to supplement the MAI forces with 500 cadets from the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" Police Academy, as well as 500 officers from territorial police units’, the media release further stated.

MAI forces will take specific steps to ensure public order and safety around airports, customs, along transport routes and supporters’ accommodations, in tourist and leisure areas, as well as on the routes leading to and from the stadium.

The capital’s traffic police will take special measures regarding road circulation which involve diverting and restricting circulation either following any notification from the Technical Traffic Commission of Bucharest City Hall or as required by circumstances.

The traffic police also advise motorists to avoid driving in the perimeter surrounding the National Arena and spectators to give up personal vehicles in favor of means of public transport.

The Ministry of Administration and Interior estimates that approximately 20,000 Spanish supporters will travel to Bucharest to attend the event.

Translated by: Roxana-Andreea Dragu

MA Student, MTTLC, University of Bucharest