Wednesday 20 April 2016 14:39, UK
The French government is calling for the state of emergency imposed after last November's attacks in Paris to be extended to Euro 2016 this summer.
The move, which will require parliament's approval, is also intended to cover the Tour de France from July 2-24.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls told France Info radio the extension of the state of emergency until the end of July will "allow a better response against the terrorist threat" during the June 10-July 10 tournament.
Following attacks in Brussels last month, concerns have been raised that Euro 2016 could be targeted, especially the fan zones where spectators gather to watch games on large screens. Up to eight million fans are expected to visit the open-air areas, according to French authorities.
Tournament organisers have increased the budget for security by 15 percent.
"We must ensure full security [so that Euro 2016 can] be at the same time a celebration with full stadiums and full fan zones," Valls said.
The state of emergency, which has already been extended twice, had been scheduled to end on May 26. It expands police powers to carry out arrests and searches and allows authorities to impose restrictions on the movement of people or vehicles.
On November 13 last year 130 people died in Paris when terrorists attacked a concert hall, restaurants, bars and the Stade de France, which was hosting a friendly match between France and world champions Germany.
