Berlin:

European countries tightened their security measures during this holiday season on account of intelligence reports indicating potential terrorist attacks due to which the Vatican, Germany and Austria increased their security during the Christmas celebrations. Although sightseeing was barred at Germany’s Cologne cathedral, the police allowed the Christmas eve worshippers to attend the midnight mass services at the church after the security check. Police chief Michael Esser said that the German police searched the Cathedral with sniffer dogs on Saturday evening. He assured that the police are doing everything to ensure the safety of the visitors.

In Austria, the security measures were tightened around christmas markets and churches in Vienna. The interior minister for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul appealed to the public to visit the churches but exercise caution.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said, “With the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and the polarization it causes in our society, with the upcoming holiday season, there is a huge risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union.”

“In recent years, Hamas has striven to expand its operational capabilities around the world, especially in Europe, to realize its aspirations to attack Israeli, Jewish and Western targets at any price,” said Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on his social media post on X. On December 14, three people allegedly linked to Hamas were arrested on suspicion for planning terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Germany. Meanwhile, Denmark arrested three in connection with terrorism on the same day.