The Swiss Federal Police Office and Europol – the European Police Office – are to cooperate on security matters for the Euro 2008 football championships.

They have signed a joint declaration to try to provide a "secure and peaceful" championship - the world's third-largest sporting event.

A statement said the cooperation includes the assessment of threats regarding terrorism, organised crime, human trafficking and forgery activities.

Europol, which is based in The Hague, said a liaison officer would help support Swiss national authorities on the spot during the games.

"The support is very welcome to the Swiss authorities. I am convinced that we will benefit from Europol's experience with major sports events," commented Fedpol's director Jean-Luc Vez.

The announcement follows a bilateral cooperation agreement between the Swiss and Europol that came into force at the beginning of this month.

Euro 2008 takes place in June and matches will be split among eight cities in Switzerland and Austria.

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