Interior Ministers' Conference starts with appeal for fireworks ban - Germany weighs fireworks ban and stricter drone defense at key security summit
Germany’s Interior Ministers’ Conference is set to tackle a range of pressing issues this week in Bremen. Topics include stricter drone defense measures, a potential ban on New Year’s Eve fireworks, and reforms to asylum procedures. The three-day event will also address hybrid threats linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
One of the key proposals comes from Bremen’s Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer, who has pushed for a nationwide ban on private fireworks during New Year’s celebrations. He highlighted the distress caused to animals and the added strain on emergency services each year. If a federal ban fails to materialise, Mäurer suggested allowing states and local authorities to impose their own restrictions.
The conference will conclude with potential agreements on fireworks regulations, asylum procedures, and drone defense strategies. If approved, the joint drone center in Berlin would mark a step toward better federal-state collaboration. Meanwhile, states may gain more flexibility in managing local fireworks policies and asylum checks at airports.
