In the aftermath of a tumultuous New Year’s Eve across Belgium and the Netherlands, authorities are grappling with the fallout of widespread fireworks-related violence and the legal consequences for those involved. The incidents, which unfolded between December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026, have reignited debates about public safety, youth justice, and the regulation of fireworks in both countries.
According to regional news from Antwerp, the city faced what Mayor Els van Doesburg described as “a particularly grim evening.” The night was marked by chaos as groups of young people engaged in acts of vandalism, set fires, and hurled fireworks and other objects at police and emergency responders. In total, more than 100 individuals were arrested during the disturbances, with over half of those detained being minors. The majority of these arrests were administrative, but a select few were processed judicially due to the severity of their actions.
One of the most serious cases involved a 17-year-old who, during the night’s unrest, was found to have set fires and fired fireworks directly at police officers. When law enforcement attempted to apprehend him, he resisted arrest, escalating the situation further. On January 1, 2026, the juvenile judge in Antwerp decided to place the teenager in a closed institution, citing the gravity of his offenses. The judge’s decision underscored the seriousness with which the Belgian justice system is treating attacks on public servants and the use of fireworks as weapons.
Two other minors from Boom, who committed offenses in Willebroek during the same period, were also brought before the juvenile judge. Unlike their peer, they were allowed to return home but were subjected to strict conditions as part of their release. The specific nature of these conditions was not disclosed, but such measures typically include curfews, mandatory counseling, or a prohibition on contact with certain individuals or places.
Throughout the night, five police officers sustained minor injuries as a result of the violence. Fortunately, none of the officers were incapacitated and all were able to return to duty. The police have launched a thorough investigation, meticulously reviewing camera footage in an effort to identify additional perpetrators involved in vandalism and attacks on emergency services. Those found responsible will not only face administrative fines—known locally as GAS-boetes—but will also be required to pay for the damages they caused, including the costs associated with destroying confiscated fireworks.
Meanwhile, across the border in the Netherlands, a separate but related incident unfolded in the small town of Tienray. On January 2, 2026, explosives were discovered in a forested area near the town. According to reports from Edward Media, authorities successfully rendered the explosives harmless, averting what could have been a dangerous situation for local residents and wildlife. The incident was linked to a suspect already under scrutiny for fireworks-related activities.
The suspect, whose identity has not been made public, was released from custody on the condition that he undergo treatment. This decision reflects a growing trend in the Dutch justice system to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, particularly when it comes to young or first-time offenders. Rather than imposing lengthy detention, the courts are increasingly favoring therapeutic interventions aimed at rehabilitation and preventing future offenses.
Both cases highlight the complexities faced by law enforcement and the judiciary in dealing with fireworks-related disturbances, especially when minors are involved. The use of fireworks during New Year’s celebrations has long been a contentious issue in the region, with critics arguing that lax regulations and poor supervision contribute to annual spikes in injuries, property damage, and public disorder.
Supporters of stricter controls point to the events in Antwerp and Tienray as evidence that the current approach is insufficient. They argue that the combination of easily accessible fireworks and the excitement of New Year’s Eve creates a volatile mix, particularly among adolescents seeking thrills or acting out in groups. Calls for tighter restrictions, increased penalties, and more robust public education campaigns have grown louder in the wake of these incidents.
However, others caution against overreacting. They emphasize the importance of balancing public safety with the rights of young people and the cultural significance of fireworks displays. Some community leaders advocate for designated areas where fireworks can be used safely under supervision, rather than imposing outright bans that might drive the activity underground.
Mayor Els van Doesburg’s remarks captured the sense of frustration felt by many in Antwerp: “It was a particularly grim evening.” Her comments reflect a broader concern among city officials and residents about the escalating violence associated with New Year’s festivities. The city’s response—including the swift deployment of police, the use of surveillance cameras, and the pursuit of legal action against offenders—signals a determination to restore order and deter similar behavior in the future.
For the families of those involved, the consequences are likely to be long-lasting. The 17-year-old sent to a closed institution faces a period of confinement and intensive intervention, while the two minors released under conditions will be closely monitored. In Tienray, the fireworks suspect’s mandatory treatment may offer a path toward rehabilitation, but also serves as a reminder of the serious risks posed by illegal explosives.
As the investigations continue, authorities in both Belgium and the Netherlands are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying additional suspects or preventing future incidents. Police in Antwerp have reiterated their commitment to holding all offenders accountable, regardless of age, and to seeking restitution for the damages inflicted on the city and its emergency services.
The debate over how best to manage fireworks and maintain public order during major celebrations is far from settled. What is clear, however, is that the events of this New Year’s have left a lasting impression on communities across the region. The challenge now lies in finding solutions that protect public safety while respecting personal freedoms—a balancing act that will require cooperation, innovation, and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed commitment to dialogue between authorities, families, and young people alike.
With the memory of this year’s violence still fresh, both Belgium and the Netherlands are likely to see renewed efforts to reform fireworks policy and strengthen community engagement ahead of future celebrations. Only time will tell whether these measures will be enough to prevent a repeat of the chaos that marked the start of 2026.