UEFA-EU stadium and security summit

UEFA and the European Union unite forces this week when they stage the annual UEFA-EU Stadium and Security Conference in Warsaw.

The meeting is held at the beginning of each season and will be attended by representatives of European police and governmental agencies, security officers of UEFA and national football associations, security officers of the clubs taking part in this season's UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League group stages, National Football Information Points (NFIP), and stadium owners. 'Football Takes Centre Stage' is the theme of this year's event.

Football faces a number of challenges, and one of the most demanding is the need to create a safe, secure and welcoming environment in which matches can be played. The game has to tackle security issues on many levels, ranging from spectator disturbances to matches being used as a platform for political protests and as a medium for the expression of extreme racist views.

The conference will examine how such issues can be dealt with, thereby ensuring that the game itself takes pride of place. An integrated approach to the key concerns of safety, security and service will be encouraged at the Warsaw conference, through the sharing of best practices as well as the establishment of multi-agency partnerships across all levels of public and football authorities.

The UEFA-EU safety and security gathering is seen as a crucial event, as it presents a rare opportunity for all involved in the management and operation of safety and security in European football to come together and discuss their area of activity, while also seeking lasting solutions for the future.

UEFA welcomes support from governments, public authorities and police, plus Europe's clubs, in efforts to guarantee that the European competitions can be staged in a safe environment.