‘The more, the merrier?’ Euro 2020, transnational collaboration, opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro 2020 will, for the first time in the history, be staged in 12 different countries across the European continent. However, such a geographically diffuse celebration also gives life to certain challenges. Particularly for the event’s security, which will involve a larger number of host countries and actors, responsible for, and required to cooperate transnationally and form what literature refers to as ‘security networks’. As such, this article draws upon academic literature in the fields of sociology, policing and event management and delineates three key challenges and related opportunities speaking to international cooperation between security actors provided by Euro 2020’s format. These include (1) overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers (2) valuable lessons for less experienced hosts and (3) establishment of new, ‘good practices’. Undeniably, the event produces opportunities, but also significant hurdles, important to give academic attention and examination with the event approaching in time.