Whistle, crackle, banned: Dutch set to outlaw fireworks after more new year chaos

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondentJanuary 9, 2026 at 06:00 AM
Whistle, crackle, banned: Dutch set to outlaw fireworks after more new year chaos

AI Summary

long article 5 min

The Netherlands is expected to implement a nationwide ban on most consumer fireworks by the end of 2026, making it the second European nation after Ireland to do so. This decision follows increasing concerns over New Year's Eve chaos, including over 1,200 injuries, two deaths, and attacks on emergency responders. The ban is driven by growing awareness of the societal damage caused by fireworks, including the burden on emergency services and environmental concerns. While fireworks have been a Dutch tradition since the 17th century, support for a ban has grown due to the violence and destruction associated with their use. Firefighters responded to thousands of fire incidents, and a historic church burned down during the recent New Year's Eve celebrations.

Keywords

fireworks ban 100% new year's eve 80% firework injuries 70% netherlands 70% firefighters attacked 60% emergency services 60% consumer fireworks 50% societal damage 50% tradition 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative
Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source
The Guardian - World News
Political Lean
Center-Left (-0.40)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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