New Year's Eve 2026: Netherlands ban private fireworks for violence!

New Year's Eve 2026: Netherlands ban private fireworks for violence!

From the turn of the year 2026/2027, the burning of New Year's fireworks in the Netherlands will be banned for private individuals. This was decided by the first chamber of the parliament with a large majority after the second chamber had already agreed. The main reason for this ban is the increasing acts of violence on New Year's Eve in recent years, including numerous attacks on emergency services such as police officers and firefighters who were attacked with fireworks during the celebrations. Often there were also injuries and even deaths through the use of heavy explosive bodies, while some people deliberately took fire to cause chaos. As reported krone.at, the ban has been a hotly controversial topic for years, with doctors, the police association and environmental and animal welfare organizations constantly advocating for this.

The Dutch government stated that earlier implementation of the ban was not possible this year for organizational reasons. At the upcoming turn of the year 2025/2026, however, fireworks can continue to be ignited by private individuals, which gives this festivity the final opportunity to traditionally start the new year. Central fireworks shows organized by municipalities remain allowed, but private fireworks require official approval.

increased violence and increasing demands for security measures

In recent years, the situation around the New Year's fireworks has worsened in many European countries. A firecracker ban is currently being discussed in Germany. The reason for this are increased incidents of property and personal injury caused by fireworks, as described on Tagesschau.de. On New Year's Eve 2025/2026, five people died in Germany from the improper handling of fireworks, which also intensified the demands for a ban. In January alone, petitions collected over 1.5 million signatures.

The police union as well as various environmental and animal welfare organizations are actively committed to a ban. In countries such as the Netherlands, where such a ban has already been launched, the discussion becomes more intensive, while in Germany the interior minister negotiates possible measures with the federal states. In many European countries, the burning of fireworks is already heavily regulated or completely prohibited.

concerns of health and environmental protection

doctors and environmentalists update the discussion by pointing out the health effects of fireworks. One percent of the annual fine dust pollution contributes to New Year's fireworks, and on January 1, the fine dust pollution often exceeds the limit values defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The consideration between the festive tradition of fireworks and the matters of health, animal and environmental protection asks the crucial question in this debate. The regulations for the sale and burning of fireworks are subject to strict criteria in most countries, whereby private fireworks are often only approved at certain times and locations.

The topic of fireworks ban remains not only in the Netherlands, but also in Germany it continues to be hotly debated, while more and more citizens and organizations for more security and better protection of people and nature are advocating. The developments of the coming months could be decisive for what the fireworks culture will look like in Europe.