Concerns arise in Germany and the Netherlands over potential recurrence of violence related to fireworks during New Year's Eve.

Despite pleas from authorities to reduce the use of fireworks during New Year's Eve celebrations, hundreds of people in Germany and the Netherlands have been observed buying fireworks. This comes after violent riots occurred in Berlin last year, where fireworks were fired at the police, leading to fires and injuries. In an effort to control the situation, some Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, have banned fireworks, but it is expected that the ban will be ignored by many. While fireworks are traditionally used to welcome the new year in these countries, their usage has faced increased scrutiny in recent years due to the associated risks. Last year, there were numerous injuries sustained by police and firefighters during riots in Berlin, with some deliberately targeted by fireworks. Other cities in Germany, such as Hamburg, Bonn, Dortmund, and Essen, also experienced violence during their celebrations. Similarly, in the Netherlands, serious injuries were reported, including a child in Utrecht who lost a hand and right eye. Furthermore, authorities in Amsterdam linked fireworks to a fire at a primary school and attacks on police officers. To prevent a recurrence of last year's incidents, Berlin police conducted raids on shops suspected of selling illegal fireworks. Several alleged violations of the law were found, mostly in the southern Neukölln district. There has been a significant increase in police presence in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, with twice the usual number of officers on the streets on December 31. Following the previous year's violence, mayors and police unions in both the Netherlands and Germany called for a ban on the sale of fireworks. Some municipalities, including Amsterdam, have already implemented such bans, although a significant number of people disregarded the ban last year.