The Netherlands and France Call for Renewed Attention to a European Approach to Fireworks

Abuse of heavy fireworks poses a significant problem for the Netherlands and other countries in Europe. For example, consider the explosions occurring in the Netherlands at homes and businesses, which are committed using Cobra fireworks. To tackle the problem at its source, the Netherlands, together with France, is focusing on actions at the European level. The goal: stricter measures for the production, trade, and possession of heavy fireworks from category F4 and stricter control over the requirements that certified products must meet.

Today, Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security, together with State Secretary Jansen of Infrastructure and Water Management and the French Minister of the Interior Retailleau, sent a letter to European Commissioners Brunner and Séjourné emphasizing once again the necessity of a joint approach and calling for action.

Minister Van Weel:

“We find it important to continue drawing attention to this issue. This problem does not stop at our national borders; we must tackle this collectively. Therefore, in February, we sent a non-paper to the EU Commission together with France. This has led to the topic being on the European agenda and is now actively being addressed by the Polish presidency and the European Commission. Making agreements at the EU level is indeed a long-term process. Therefore, we are now asking for attention again and will continue to work on this in the coming time.”

State Secretary Jansen:

“Heavy fireworks should not fall into the hands of those who are not authorized to handle them. That this does happen causes serious damage and injury.”