The Dutch parliament officially approved a bill to ban most fireworks for personal use across the Netherlands by the end of 2026, marking a historic move in Europe and signaling a major shift in how authorities address the risks associated with fireworks.
The decision follows years of protests, injuries, and serious accidents linked to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
According to figures cited by Spain’s 20 Minutos newspaper, more than 1200 people were injured last year alone, while two deaths and approximately 4286 fire-related incidents were recorded as a result of fireworks during the festivities.
Lawmakers argued that fireworks are no longer merely a celebratory tradition but have become a real threat to public health and the safety of citizens and emergency services.
Parliamentary debates highlighted incidents in which paramedics and firefighters were attacked by individuals setting off fireworks toward them, prompting some officials to describe the scenes as chaos that could no longer be ignored.
The Netherlands will become the second European Union country to impose such a ban, following Ireland, which implemented a similar measure earlier.
Under the new law, the sale, purchase, and use of fireworks by consumers will be prohibited.
However, professionally organized fireworks displays will remain permitted in designated locations, aiming to reduce risks while preserving limited forms of celebration.
Despite parliamentary approval, full implementation of the ban still depends on compensation agreements with the domestic fireworks industry, which recorded sales of around €129 million in 2025.
Retailers and distributors are demanding adequate compensation before the ban takes effect, warning that the measure will have a significant economic impact on the sector.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within Dutch society.
Supporters say the ban will reduce injuries, protect children and pets, and ease the burden on medical and emergency services.
Opponents argue that the ban fails to address the root of the problem, particularly given the ease of obtaining fireworks from neighboring countries, and warn that it could undermine long-standing popular traditions.
Meanwhile, other European countries such as Germany and Finland have begun reviewing their own fireworks policies amid rising accident rates and growing awareness of the environmental damage, pollution, and serious injuries caused by fireworks.
Ultimately, the Dutch decision reflects a broader shift in balancing festive traditions with public safety and may pave the way for wider debates across Europe on how to better reconcile cultural customs with community well-being.
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