The Netherlands is facing a troubling surge in explosive attacks, with recent police reports indicating over 1,200 incidents last year alone, averaging more than three explosions per day. This alarming trend highlights not only the accessibility of dangerous materials but also the deep-rooted culture surrounding fireworks across the country.
According to Jos van der Stap, program manager for High Impact Crime at the police, the country recorded 1,244 explosive-related attacks on homes and businesses throughout 2024. This marks a significant jump from the 901 incidents reported the previous year. ‘The core of the problem lies in the ease with which individuals can acquire fireworks explosives, combined with the entrenched firework culture in the Netherlands,’ stated van der Stap. This culture has led to violence, with personal disputes increasingly being settled with deadly force.
The consequences of these attacks are increasingly severe. While many incidents result only in material damage, some have caused significant injuries and fatalities. For example, in December 2024, one explosion in Purmerend left a teenager with serious burns, and another incident on the Tarwekamp street in The Hague resulted in the loss of six lives along with the complete destruction of residential blocks.
Gerdo van Grootheest, the newly appointed mayor of Oosterhout, expressed his concerns about the situation: ‘These figures are shocking. It is incredibly important for us to come together to tackle this issue.’ He is part of the Strategic Offensive Against Explosions (SOTE), established by the Minister of Justice and Security at the request of the Dutch Parliament. This initiative aims to bolster local strategies to combat the rise of explosive attacks.
Meanwhile, the recently formed Explosions Network, guided by the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), aims to facilitate knowledge sharing across municipalities. Mayor Carola Schouten of Rotterdam and the chair of the SOTE urged her colleagues to join this initiative, believing collective action could improve community safety significantly.
Another local leader, Mayor Hein van der Loo of Almere, pointed out the pressing need for effective solutions. He articulated, ‘What do the numbers say? What circumstances contribute? Where do these attacks happen? We need to figure out where to start.’ Both van Grootheest and van der Loo have witnessed some of these explosive incidents firsthand and are troubled by the impact not only on direct victims but also on the surrounding communities. Residents are increasingly feeling unsafe, according to van der Loo.
By mid-February 2025, Almere experienced ten firebomb incidents within just the first six weeks of the year. This staggering rate led van der Loo to temporarily close off certain residential areas due to safety concerns. ‘Ten explosions are unacceptable,’ he declared emphatically, voicing frustrations over the quickening pace of these attacks.
An analysis of police data reveals the motivations behind these explosions to be diverse. While only 20% of the incidents are linked to organized crime, many are rooted in personal conflicts—some petty disputes leading to violent actions. This includes everything from altercations among neighbors to disagreements over finances, demonstrating how even the smallest disagreements can escalate dangerously.
‘It is hard to get a grip on things; these episodes can never be completely prevented,’ van der Loo remarked. To effectively deal with the crisis, he emphasized focusing on the root causes of these explosions, raising awareness about their devastating consequences, and significantly limiting access to explosives. Each unexplained explosion intensifies community fear and social fragmentation.
A fundamental part of the Dutch approach is the commitment to knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts, as underlined by the discussions by mayors across the country. Local governments are seeking to understand practical ways to respond when such attacks occur, including legal recourse options for closing properties involved.
Preventative measures remain challenging, particularly for municipalities grappling with how to intercept potential offenders. Reports suggest many perpetrators are vulnerable youths, enticed for small payments or rewards like branded clothing. Mayor van Grootheest stressed the importance of long-term investment needed to develop preventive strategies, such as the governance framework entitled “Prevention with Authority.”
The dangers associated with the storage of these explosives are noted as well, especially when young individuals keep such dangerous materials at home. Discussions highlight how simple access can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Explosives like the Cobra, heavily linked to these attacks, are categorized legally as high-grade fireworks (F4), but their misuse has led to calls for stricter enforcement and accountability.
Both mayors support government efforts to classify these dangerous fireworks as weapons, seeking harsher penalties for those using them improperly, thereby aiming to dissuade young people from committing violent acts for their selfish gain. ‘You ruin your life by doing this,’ van der Loo concluded.
The issue is compounded by the fact many of the explosives used are illegal for consumer use within the Netherlands and are often smuggled from abroad, including via postal services. Her governing body is now working at the European level to suppress production and importation of such harmful materials, underscoring the necessity of stringent border controls to combat this growing menace.