EU Fireworks Law Fails to Stop Criminal Explosions

European Commission Admits Fireworks Directive Has 'Significant Shortcomings'

The European Commission has acknowledged that the EU's 12-year-old fireworks legislation contains 'significant shortcomings' in preventing dangerous pyrotechnics from being used in criminal attacks against emergency services, for burglaries, and in organized crime. The evaluation of Directive 2013/29/EU, known as the Pyrotechnic Articles Directive, reveals that the current framework fails to adequately address the growing problem of heavy fireworks being misused across Europe.

'It has become clear that there are persistent health and safety risks,' the Commission wrote in its official evaluation. The fireworks not only endanger the safety of those setting them off and bystanders but also society as a whole, as criminals misuse them for violent purposes.

Widespread Criminal Misuse Across Europe

The production of heavy flash bangers remains legal within the European Union, but these F4-category fireworks intended for professional use are increasingly finding their way into criminal hands. Countries like the Netherlands, France, and Sweden are experiencing what authorities describe as an 'epidemic' of fireworks-related attacks.

In the Netherlands alone, police recorded 1,543 explosive attacks in 2024 - the highest number in Europe - with 678 incidents already reported in the first half of 2025. The problem has become so severe that Dutch MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle described the Commission's evaluation as 'devastating, particularly when it comes to safety.'

Rotterdam Mayor Leads European Call for Action

Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten has emerged as a leading voice in the European campaign for stricter fireworks regulations. She heads a coalition of concerned mayors from across the continent who wrote a joint letter to the European Commission this summer about the 'wave of attacks and incidents' involving heavy explosives.

'We see every day how easily heavy fireworks, like Cobras, are available,' Schouten stated. 'They are then used to intimidate and cause damage. The word 'fireworks' doesn't cover it in these cases - they are bombs.'

The mayors' coalition includes representatives from the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, France, Germany, Norway, and Bulgaria. They're calling for stricter legislation, a European ban on the heaviest category of flash bangers, and better controls to verify that fireworks buyers have the proper permits.

Dutch Lobby Gains Momentum

The Netherlands has been pushing for years to get fireworks problems higher on the European agenda, but progress has been slow because many other EU countries face fewer issues with explosive fireworks. Countries like Italy and Portugal, where significant money is made from producing heavy fireworks, have shown less enthusiasm for stricter regulations.

However, the Netherlands has now found allies in Sweden and France, which also struggle with numerous fireworks attacks. Earlier this year, France and the Netherlands wrote a joint letter to the Commission highlighting problems with illegal trade and criminal use. Next week, Sweden, France, and the Netherlands will host a special event in Brussels to discuss fireworks issues, with representatives from the European Commission and Mayor Schouten in attendance.

Long Road to Reform

The question remains how quickly these efforts will lead to actual changes in fireworks regulations or even a complete ban on the production of heavy flash bangers in the EU. Even with sufficient support from other member states for legislative changes, the entire lawmaking process must still be completed.

The European Commission has indicated it's currently examining how best to address the problems identified in the evaluation. Amending the Pyrotechnic Articles Directive is one option being considered. If the Commission decides to propose changes to the fireworks rules, any amendments would likely take effect no earlier than 2027.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing free trade within the EU single market with the need to protect public safety from increasingly sophisticated criminal misuse of legal products.