As New Year's Eve approaches, authorities in Germany and the Netherlands are bracing for potential safety risks associated with the traditional use of fireworks. Despite pleas from officials to exercise caution and tone down the festivities, hundreds of people have been observed purchasing fireworks in both countries.

Last year, Berlin experienced violent riots during New Year's Eve celebrations, with fireworks being launched at police, leading to fires and injuries. In response, the city conducted raids on shops suspected of selling illegal fireworks, uncovering seven alleged violations, mainly in the southern Neukölln district. As a result, Barbara Slowik, Berlin's police chief, has announced that this year's policing operation on New Year's Eve will be the largest in decades. The recent Israel-Gaza war is expected to further exacerbate tensions.

The Netherlands, too, witnessed similar incidents during last year's celebrations. Many cities, including Amsterdam, have implemented bans on the use of pyrotechnics. However, it is anticipated that these bans will be widely ignored. Amsterdam reported incidents involving fireworks resulting in serious injuries, such as a child in Utrecht who had to undergo hand amputation and eye removal. Authorities in Amsterdam also linked the use of fireworks to a fire at a primary school and attacks on police officers.

In response to the escalating violence, mayors and police unions in both Germany and the Netherlands called for a ban on the sale of fireworks. Amsterdam has already implemented such a ban since 2021, however, it was largely disregarded last year. Other municipalities have followed suit, aiming to prevent potential injuries and accidents.

Authorities are concerned that the sale and use of fireworks could lead to further harm during the New Year's Eve celebrations. Berlin and other German cities, as well as the northern German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, are deploying significantly increased numbers of police officers to ensure public safety on December 31st.

While fireworks are deeply ingrained in New Year's Eve traditions in Germany and the Netherlands, recent incidents have prompted increased scrutiny and calls for stricter regulations. Authorities continue to grapple with finding a balance between cultural practices and public safety. As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the forthcoming celebrations and the measures in place to mitigate potential risks.