In troubled times, let’s make Euro 2024 a celebration of our best values | Philipp Lahm

As tournament director, I see the Euros’ potential to enhance the best of our way of life and to set aside ugly resentments

For weeks, millions have been demonstrating in Germany in favour of preserving democracy. The impetus comes from the centre of society. It still has a good sense of when it is time to take to the streets. That motivates me. As tournament director of Euro 2024 I want to organise a good event. Football brings a lot of people together and the whole thing is fun and enjoyable. That also strengthens our civil society. Sport can be a means to an end.

The European men’s handball championship in Germany in January has shown what sport can achieve. In Cologne 30,000 people demonstrated in the city centre and in the evening there were almost as many in the hall to cheer on their team. Protesting and celebrating are different actions, but they have something in common. They require physical presence and they express appreciation. In this case, for our free way of life.