After chaotic New Year’s, authorities say fireworks ban alone won’t stop violence

Dutch authorities are considering stronger measures for future New Year’s celebrations after widespread violence and attacks on emergency workers during the 2025–2026 holiday.

In The Hague, firefighters on Schependreef were pelted with fireworks while trying to extinguish a burning car. In Alphen aan den Rijn, a vehicle caught fire after running over fireworks, triggering airbags and shutting off the fuel system, leaving the car stranded among rioters. Firework bombs, including cobra fireworks, targeted two officers in a surveillance car.

Roughly 250 people were arrested nationwide, with a record number of 112 emergency calls and increased fire department deployments.

Police face staff shortages and an 850 million-euro budget deficit. Gert Veurink, chief of the Oost-Nederland police unit, told De Telegraaf that enforcement must improve, including experiments with water cannons equipped with tear gas, larger pepper-spray canisters, and dye marking to identify rioters afterward. He warned that premeditated violence involved even 14- and 15-year-olds and that a total fireworks ban would not immediately restore order.

Nine Kooiman, chair of the Dutch Police Union, called for a nationwide collection of explosives, even anonymously, to remove illegal fireworks from homes. Officials also stressed the need for international cooperation against cross-border criminal networks trafficking fireworks.

Hein van der Loo, chair of the National Safety Board, said private fireworks must be banned, with only professional shows allowed. Bert Wijbenga, outgoing mayor of Vlaardingen, called for prevention, increased arrests, and financial penalties for repeat offenders. Officials also noted alcohol, drugs, and social dissatisfaction contribute to violence.