Tightened security on France-Spain border during G7 summit

MAXIMUM security measures are being taken on the border between France and Spain during the G7 summit in Biarritz that began yesterday.

Spain mobilised nearly 3,000 Guardia Civil and National Police officers for the three day long summit that are “prepared to guarantee the safety and the rights and freedoms of citizens”, acting Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told press on Thursday.

Grande-Marlaska said the Spanish officers are part of an important coordinated effort to guarantee security at the forum for the world’s seven largest economies and a peaceful counter-summit.

In addition, the Spanish Basque Country government mobilised 4,000 officers from the region’s autonomous ‘Ertzaintza’ police force.

France, supported by the Spanish National Police Borders unit, has doubled controls on border crossings between the two countries. Biarritz airport and station will be closed for the weekend, streets will be blocked off and the public will not be able to access the main beach.