Outspoken Interior Ministers' Summit in Bremerhaven: Fireworks Debate Flares Up
Interior Ministers' Conference Establishes Permanent Guidelines Unanimously - Commission Has yet to Adopt Proposal for a Directive Regarding: Scope of Legislation Relating to Specific Matters in the Digital Content Market
The idea of expanding municipalities' power to ban personal New Year's fireworks has hit a brick wall among interior ministers. According to insider reports, no accord was reached on this matter during the federal and state interior ministers' spring gathering in the picturesque town of Bremerhaven.
Prominent supporters of extending local authorities' jurisdiction over fireworks were Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg. As it stands, the Explosives Act permits pyrotechnics use only on December 31 and January 1, with a special permit required on all other days.
Minister Behrens: Holds Her Ground Against a Nationwide Ban
At the fringes of the gathering, Lower Saxony's interior minister, Daniela Behrens (SPD), expressed her reservations on a universal fireworks ban. She revealed to the German Press Agency that she believe the existing legal tools for implementing ban zones are sufficient. "Larger cities makes excellent use of this during New Year's," stated Behrens. Even in rural zones, vulnerable spots like timber-framed houses or thatched-roof homes can be shielded. It's ill-advised to stamp out New Year's fireworks for responsible folks owing to the misconduct of a select few. Instead, it's essential to pinpoint and penalize rule-breakers who target law enforcement and emergency services with fireworks.
Public Calls for Prohibition
The Berlin branch of the Police Trade Union kick-started a petition in early 2023, having garnered over two million signatures, urging a fireworks ban. Animal welfare groups and other organizations are rallying for the same cause. For example, the German Environmental Aid has both a petition and an open letter addressed to Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), urging the amendment of the Explosives Act to permanently prohibit private firework sales and use around New Year's due to concerns like air pollution.
Following the 2024/2025 turn of the year, five fatalities and countless injuries, including a Berlin police officer and a child, were reported. Many properties and infrastructure also sustained damage.
- Bremerhaven
- Fireworks Ban
- New Year's fireworks
- Interior Ministers' Conference
- Daniela Behrens
- Pyrotechnics
- Berlin
- Bremen
- Hamburg
Specific Enrichment Insights:- Opponents of the ban argue that the restriction should focus on punishment for individuals who assault police or firefighters with fireworks rather than banning the practice for responsible users.- The German Environmental Aid has launched a campaign for a permanent prohibition on private firework sales and use.- Five tragic fatalities and numerous injuries, including police officers and a child, occurred during the 2024/2025 New Year's celebrations.
- In spite of the petition initiated by the Berlin branch of the Police Trade Union, which has amassed over two million signatures, calling for a fireworks ban, Interior Minister Daniela Behrens of Lower Saxony advocates for a focus on punishing individuals who misuse fireworks, rather than implementing a broad ban on the practice, as was discussed during the Interior Ministers' Conference in Bremerhaven.
- The ongoing debate over the New Year's fireworks ban in EC countries, featuring various policies and legislations, extends to the realm of general news and politics, with organizations such as the German Environmental Aid championing a permanent prohibition on private firework sales and use, citing concerns like air pollution and crime-and-justice issues.
