Euro 2012 safety and security report - SOS International

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dignitaries and a huge television audience. As such, any terrorist incident during the tournament, regardless of size or duration, will likely have a large impact. As a consequence, the event is theoretically attractive to a wide range of terrorist groups and individuals, providing them with an opportunity to cause mass casualties and/or significant disruption to publicise and further their causes. In addition, Poland specifically is regarded as a potential target for Islamist militants. Al Qaeda’s leader Ayman al Zawahiri has called for attacks on Poland in revenge for its military involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However, there is currently no specific intelligence suggesting a terrorist attack is being planned to coincide with the Euro 2012 tournament. There are also no known domestic or international Islamist terrorist organisations present in either country, nor is there significant Muslim populations from which Islamist elements could potentially draw support. As such, a coordinated ‘spectacular’ mass casualty attack by multiple individuals is assessed to be low probability, though an attack by a ‘lone wolf’ cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, although the Polish and Ukrainian security and intelligence forces have little experience in combating terrorism, the counter-capabilities of both countries are thought to be satisfactory and security measures will be significantly increased ahead of the tournament. Seeking assistance The police in Poland are generally professional and approachable and corruption is no longer an issue. Many police officers speak German and an increasing number speak English. Visitors should be aware that police in Poland do operate a ‘drunk tank’ system and will detain unruly intoxicated people until they are sober. The police in Ukraine are less capable. They are ill equipped and understaffed. Corruption remains an issue and few police officers speak English. If visitors require assistance, they are advised to contact SOS International or red24 for assistance. Visitors are also advised to carry their passports at all times as police identification checks are common. Security advice Below is a list of security tips to ensure the safety of your person and property while attending Euro 2012. • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a low profile. • Never leave your belongings unattended. • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery or valuables, as this may make you an attractive target for criminals. • Avoid walking in city streets after dark, especially if alone. If you are walking, take only brightly lit, busy streets. • Violent xenophobic attacks are a concern. Visitors who are visible members of ethnic or religious minorities are advised to exercise heightened caution and vigilance. • Avoid disputes, demonstrations, political rallies and commotions on the street. Do not stay to watch or photograph them. • Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave the area. • Credit cards should only be used in reputable establishments and it should be confirmed that the correct amount has been charged. • It is advisable to take adequate travel and medical insurance, especially if the need arises to be evacuated by air ambulance. • Clients travelling to Euro 2012 can sign up to receive red24’s SMS and email security and travel alerts. Alerts are sent to inform clients of upcoming events, breaking news, security and travel incidents. Contact red24 for further information. 13
14 Euro 2012 safety and security report Getting around Air Air travel is the safest and quickest way to travel around both Poland and Ukraine. The domestic aviation networks in both countries are extensive and there are flights to most secondary cities. However, although Poland’s air safety record is improving, concerns continue to persist regarding the safety and reliability of air transportation in Ukraine. There have been a series of incidents in recent years, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently rates Ukraine as ‘Category 2’ for aviation safety, which means it does not meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards for aircraft operations and maintenance. The European Commission also reported in April 2008 that Ukraine needed to strengthen its aviation safety oversight. Although no Ukrainian carriers are currently on the EU Airline Blacklist, barring them from EU airspace, in July 2007 Ukraine’s State Aviation Administration suspended the operation of three local airlines—Baltic Airline, Aeromost Kharkiv Airlines and Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines (UM Air) due to of concerns that they did not meet international and national safety standards. Separately, UM Air, Ukraine Cargo Airways and Valare Aviation Enterprise (or Albatross Avia Ltd) have also been previously refused permission to operate services to the EU because they do not meet international safety standards. As a consequence, red24 advises against flying with the aforementioned airlines. Rail In Poland, Polish State Railways provide a safe, efficient, comfortable and reliable service. First-class seats are recommended. Express trains are also recommended, as other services can be slow; tickets should be reserved in advance. In Ukraine, the State Railways Administration oversees a less modern and efficient railway network, though express services can be convenient. Visitors should be aware that facilities on both the Polish and Ukrainian railway network can be poor; clients are advised to bring their own refreshments for longer journeys. Visitors should also not travel alone by train, particularly at night. Petty criminality is a problem both at stations and on some trains. Road Although highways and main roads in urban areas are well developed and relatively well maintained in both Poland and Ukraine, roads outside the cities and off main highways are generally in poor condition. Many roads are poorly signposted and signs are only in Polish or Ukrainian. Street lighting is frequently inadequate. Driving standards in both countries are also poor; the number of accidents in Ukraine and Poland is above the European average. Locals drive aggressively and routinely ignore traffic rules. Furthermore, despite low tolerances and harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, there are still a high number of alcohol-related deaths on the road. In Poland, the speed limit is 50kph in developed areas; 120kph for dual carriageways; and 140kph for motorways. In Ukraine, the speed limit is 60kph in denser areas; 90kph outside built-up areas; and 130kph on motorways. Traffic drives on the right. Drivers should carry their passport, an international driving permit and original vehicle registration and insurance papers at all times. Taxi Taxis are widely available in urban areas in both Poland and Ukraine. red24 advises visitors to use radio taxis or a taxi service recommended by their hotel. Taxis hailed off the street are generally safe but often do not have meters and can be expensive. There have also been regular incidents of foreign nationals being over-charged.
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Euro 2012 safety and security report - SOS International

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