The Netherlands completely bans fireworks!
The Dutch Senate voted in favor of a national ban on the use of fireworks by citizens. This ban is set to take effect from New Year's Eve between 2026 and 2027, meaning that the use of fireworks is still allowed during the upcoming New Year's celebrations.
To implement the law, the Minister of State for Infrastructure and Water Management, Thierry Artsen (from the VVD party), must issue what is known as the general administrative order. He must also specify the conditions that associations must meet to submit fireworks proposals. Artsen explained in the Senate that he would not be able to accomplish this before the next New Year. This ban has been under discussion for a long time in the Dutch House of Representatives, until it was approved after both the NSC and VVD parties decided to vote in favor of it.
Emergency services and municipalities have long called for this ban, after police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were attacked with fireworks in previous years. These entities hope that the law will be implemented as soon as possible. The BOA union expressed its concerns about "another year of chaos and problems."
This law was initiated by MPs Jesse Klaver from the GroenLinks-PvdA party and Esther Ouwehand from the Partij voor de Dieren party. Ouwehand said: "We are very happy that the ban has become a reality. This is great news for both humans and animals. We have been fighting for this since our party was founded over twenty years ago. Let's celebrate a safe and happy New Year for everyone."
Klafer also expressed his happiness with the law's approval, saying: "Five years ago, Easter Owehand and I started working on the Safe New Year's Law. Today, the Senate approved the ban. It is an important step to make New Year's celebrations a happy and safe occasion for everyone."