The US State Department yesterday issued a renewed ’potential terrorist attacks’ alert to all US citizens travelling ‘throughout Europe’ and particularly those visiting major locations and events, such as tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centres and also using transportation.

In a statement it said: “The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events. This Travel Alert expires August 31, 2016.

“France will host the European Soccer Championship from June 10 to July 10. Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe.

Solidarity: On March 25, 2016 Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders looks on, as Prime Minister Charles Michel shakes hands with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Brussels – just weeks after the terror attacks on Brussels Airport.

“France has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race, which will be held from July 2 to 24.”

In addition, the State Department points out that the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event is expected to draw up to 2.5m visitors to Krakow, Poland, between July 26 and July 31 nd US citizens should be aware that local infrastructure may be strained due to the large number of visitors.

It added: “Poland will impose border controls at all of its national borders from July 4 to August 2, and visitors to Poland during this period should be prepared to show their passport and undergo stricter security screening throughout Poland.

In addition to the above, the State Department also repeated its usual common sense cautions relating to the use of public and crowded places and mass transportation which have been part of an advisory that has been in place since last March.