Hollande promises to tighten Euro 2016 security

French President Francois Hollande (C) visits the INSEP or French National Institute of Sport and Physical Education, as part of the event "11 Tricolore, La France au rendez-vous" in Paris, France, March 29, 2016. The "11 Tricolore" is a committee to promote the UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament throughout France. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - French President Francois Hollande promised tighter security for the upcoming Euro 2016 during a visit to the country's top sports institute INSEP?in Paris?on Tuesday.

"Security will be at a maximum," he said at the National Institute of Sport and Performance (INSEP). "It's a duty for the government regarding all those who have chosen to come to France in June and we will never compromise on the rules."

The continental soccer tournament will be hosted in 10 French cities on June 10-July 10 with 51 sold-out matches and special fan zones preparing to welcome over seven million people.

Hollande added that "sport was often a way of responding to terrorism", referring to fears following a series of attacks in Paris last year and last week's Brussels attacks.

"There was never a question of postponing or cancelling (Euro 2016)," he said.

"In 73 days the competition will begin, we're going to welcome seven million people: 2.5 million will attend the 51 matches at the ten venues and 5 million will experience the Euro in another way, essentially in host towns," Hollande said.

"We must ensure that all these animations, all these activities, all these games can be assured with a very high level of vigilance," he added.