A stadium is to football what a theatre is to art. UEFA works vigorously to ensure that matches in Europe are hosted in a pleasant, safe, secure and service-orientated environment. The Stadia and Security Unit supports and stimulates the development of the full potential of stadia in order to celebrate the world's most favorite sport. To all involved, stadia are not mere physical spaces, but emotionally charged venues that provide the thrill of a perfect match experience.

UEFA sets and enforces high quality standards for stadium infrastructure and stadium management. In 2006, the new UEFA Safety and Security and UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations were introduced. The Stadium and Security Unit provides assistance to the national associations to implement these regulations. UEFA also closely monitors the full compliance of these regulations by conducting numerous stadium inspections every year.

UEFA promotes knowledge transfer and learning from experience and therefore organises safety, security, stadium design and management workshops. These seminars showcase good practices, examine emerging trends and issues and offer opportunities to discuss lessons learned. Their objectives are to strengthen the partnerships involved in organising football matches, to share experiences and to enhance cooperation between the different parties involved.

Together with the European Union, UEFA is a partner in the pan-European safety and security working programme. This European initiative strengthens the safety and security collaborative efforts during international football matches. Through meetings and common projects with the EU Football Safety and Security Experts Group and the EU Police Cooperation Working Party, UEFA aims to foster closer collaboration between UEFA, European governments and police.

The Stadium and Security Unit of UEFA carefully monitors security planning for UEFA matches. Depending on the result of the match risk analyses, UEFA appoints security officers to assist the match organisers. Special attention is also given to the preparations of the UEFA competition finals.

UEFA will continue to perform these and other important activities in the quest to establish a festive stadium atmosphere that satisfies all supporters, players and officials.

In this way, UEFA contributes to the development of modern venues that allow fans to experience football matches comfortably and safely.