Germany Faces Intensified Calls for Fireworks Ban Amid New Year's Safety Concerns

As Germany welcomes 2026, the country grapples with mounting safety concerns surrounding New Year's Eve fireworks. Emergency services report heightened stress and an influx of burn injuries in hospital emergency rooms, accompanied by a troubling rise in attacks on first responders during celebrations. These safety issues have intensified calls for a nationwide ban on fireworks.

Thomas Mohr, chairman of the Police Union's Mannheim district group (GdP), highlighted the escalating problems caused by private firecracker use, stating, "It is indeed the case that minorities push these things forward and injure emergency personnel. It escalates wherever fireworks are set off uncontrollably, for example at Plankenkopf. The limit has simply been reached."

Reflecting growing public concern, the GdP has launched a petition advocating for a federal ban on firecrackers, already amassing over two million signatures. A non-representative survey among emergency personnel also showed significant backing for such a prohibition, though some still regard fireworks as a traditional element of New Year's celebrations.

On the ground, authorities have boosted police presence across major cities to address possible unrest and ensure public safety. Berlin, preparing for one of the largest street celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate, has deployed 4,300 officers—an increase over previous years—while North Rhine-Westphalia has raised its police force to 7,600. These measures aim to curb potential violence and chaos during the festivities.

Despite these precautions, celebrations will continue with fireworks displays across Germany, including in Hamburg and Munich, even as the national debate over banning fireworks persists. The contrast between the joy of the New Year and the strain on emergency personnel encapsulates the ongoing dilemma facing Germany: balancing traditional festivities with the urgent need to protect public safety.

Internationally, neighboring countries like the Netherlands are moving towards similar bans, with 2025 marking the final New Year’s Eve for fireworks before their prohibition in 2026. Additionally, some countries amid conflict, such as Ukraine, have instituted nationwide fireworks bans to avoid triggering air raid alarms.

As Germany moves forward, the coming months will likely see intensified discussions on regulating or banning fireworks, reflecting widespread public safety concerns and the experiences of those on the front lines during New Year's celebrations.