Rotterdam might continue to finance national New Year's Eve fireworks show

The city of Rotterdam is going to look into the budget to see whether there is a possibility of continuing to contribute to the National Fireworks Show, which is held annually on the Erasmus Bridge at the turn of the New Year. The City Council has made this commitment at the request of a number of parties, including the ChristenUnie (CU).

Due to budget cuts, the coming edition was set to be the last to be subsidized by the city. But several parties in the Council think that a centrally-organized fireworks show leads to fewer violent incidents, and reduces the amount of injuries due to private use of fireworks.

“The National Firework is not only a great tradition but also an important part of a safe New Year’s Eve,” said CU Council Member Tjallin Vonk. “By preserving this central fireworks show, we not only give the people of Rotterdam a joint and festive celebration, but we also support doctors, police officers, and other first responders who are committed to our safety during the New Year. It is inconceivable that this alternative will disappear."

Rotterdam has been forced to make budget cuts. The city’s government wants to cut about two million euros from its spending on large events, like the National Firework Show and the World Port Days.

The city currently contributes around a million euros to the New Year's Eve fireworks event. There were grumblings in the Council after the intention to scrap the subsidy for the event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Rotterdam every year.

The full City Council has yet to make a final decision regarding possible financial contributions for future National Fireworks events. That vote is expected to take place in the spring.