Poles and Ukrainians discussed the issues of safety and security

Today a seminar was held in Warsaw for representatives of Poland and Ukraine. The topic of the meeting focused on development of a concept for ensuring safety and security and border traffic during the European Football Championships in 2012.

Information about mutual cooperation aimed at winning of the right to host EURO 2012 was also provided by: the deputy minister of the Interior of Ukraine, Vasil Fathudinov and the Ambassador of Ukraine in Poland, Oleksandr Mocyk, as well as the deputy chief commander of the Border Guard, Jacek Bajger.

The seminar participants stressed that the issues of security and safety at and outside the stadium, facilitations in crossing of borders are as important as sport issues during organization of such a big mass event as the European Football Championships.

Minister Kaczmarek informed that in mid March eight officers would visit the United Kingdom with a view to becoming acquainted with the British methodology of work concerning safety and security issues at stadiums. He stressed that this country has well developed models in this respect, which concern not only the issue of stadiums but also legal matters.

Deputy minister Fathudinov addressed the problem of visas, which are mandatory to enter Ukraine. He informed that by 2009 the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing points will be modernized and three new crossing points will be opened. He added that by 2012 the border infrastructure between the two countries will be harmonized with EU standards.

Vasil Fathudinov also said that Ukraine will try to improve the efficiency of visa procedures with EU member states.

Jacek Bajger informed that currently there are 12 border crossing points in operation between Poland and Ukraine – six road and six railway ones. By 2012 three-four additional crossing point are to be established. In the period of the European Championships we are expecting the movement through the border of about 10 million persons, and facilitations in border crossing will be provided to organized groups of fans.

 - To make border crossing an easy and pleasant experience, however, one may not renounce monitoring of those persons who might possibly disturb safety of the championships - Janusz Kaczmarek added.

The Ambassador of Ukraine stressed that both parties are working on optimal solutions for the issue of transportation – concerning air connections, travel by railway and roads, and a more complete program will be developed after the right to host the championships has been granted.

Minister Lipiec informed that Polish government adopted a list of strategic investments, including those deployed with the use of EU assistance funds. Transport during the championships is to be improved e.g. by three new sections of A-4 motorway.

Minister Kaczmarek pointed attention to the fact that Polish government granted its recommendations and guarantees to the organizers of the championships in January. New transport solutions are planned – expansion of the road network, creation of additional transport connections, facilitations in the crossing of Poland-Ukraine border, which is at he same time the border between the European Union and Ukraine.

The race for the rights to host 2012 is a match that can be won.

Oleksandr Mocyk expressed his conviction that Ukraine and Poland will win in the bidding for the right to host EURO 2012. - We are working as one team – emphasized Mocyk.

The decision of awarding of the right to host EURO 2012 will be made on 18th April in Cardiff during the UEFA Congress. Beside Poland and Ukraine, other bidders for the right to host the event are: Italy and Hungary/Ukraine.

PZPN, 28th February 2007