par Business AM
published on Sunday January 5, 2025 has 08:15 •
3 min read
Key information
- Advocates for a national ban on fireworks sales point to recurring injuries, attacks on emergency personnel and escalating incidents.
- Animal rights groups are prioritizing a national approach to addressing the negative impacts of fireworks on animals.
- The association of Flemish mayors plans to engage with European institutions to lobby for a broader, Europe-wide ban.
Following a series of injuries on New Year’s Eve, Belgium is considering banning the sale of fireworks to individuals. However, debate continues over whether a national ban is sufficient or whether a broader approach, possibly at European level, is necessary.
Among the supporters of stricter regulations is the Association of Flemish Towns and Municipalities (VVSG), which says four out of five Flemish mayors are in favor of a national moratorium on fireworks sales. They justify this position by recurring injuries, attacks on emergency personnel and escalation of incidents. Additionally, they argue that an EU-wide ban would prevent individuals from circumventing restrictions by purchasing fireworks in neighboring countries.
Divergent views on regulation
Despite these calls for a broader ban, animal rights groups like GAIA favor a national approach first. They highlight the negative consequences of fireworks on animals, citing incidents such as a dog being killed, a cow suffering a heart attack and horses losing their lives on New Year’s Eve. Animals are expressing skepticism about a Europe-wide ban, which they see as a potential tactic to avoid taking action at the national level, reports Politico.
Next steps for the Belgian government
The association of Flemish mayors has already contacted representatives of the Belgian government to inform them of its position. She plans to expand her efforts by engaging with organizations in neighboring countries, the European Committee of the Regions and larger institutions such as the European Parliament. It is now up to the Belgian government to look into this issue and determine the way forward.
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