Europe celebrates Xmas amid security concerns

BRUSSELS — Amid the festive atmosphere in European cities adorned with lights and decorations, this Christmas season has witnessed heightened security measures.

The recent university shooting in the Czech Republic, adding to the previous shooting and stabbing incidents in Belgium and France, respectively, has exacerbated security concerns, casting a shadow over the holiday celebrations in the continent.

Meanwhile, despite repeated warnings from security agencies, many tourists vowed these concerns will not affect their holiday plans. According to the travel analytics firm ForwardKeys, intra-European travel is exceeding 2022 levels, driven by sustained post-COVID demand.