Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten is chair of the Offensive. A national working group in which the ministry, police, Public Prosecution Service, entrepreneurs, housing corporations and insurers take measures and interventions. These are aimed at all facets of explosion violence. Think of prevention, investigation and prosecution, but also aftercare and a local approach.
How big is the problem?
In 2024, 1,543 (attempted) attacks with explosives took place, an increase of 71 percent compared to 2023.
The attacks in 2024 affected 1,119 homes, 230 businesses and 154 vehicles, among others. Attacks with explosives are committed throughout the country, but in the top 5 of the most affected municipalities are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Almere and Den Bosch.
In 2024, 315 suspects were arrested. In 2025, 83 suspects have been arrested so far.
The Netherlands leads the way
Schouten emphasised during the presentation that 'nowhere in Europe are so many attacks committed with heavy fireworks and explosives as in the Netherlands'. "The consequences are far-reaching: residents and neighbours lose their sense of security, buildings are severely damaged and the risks to public order are high. In some cases, this has resulted in fatalities or serious bodily injury. This requires a decisive approach. The Offensive Against Explosions is doing everything in its power to achieve a sharp reduction in the number of explosions."
Action plan
The priorities are set out in the action plan. The Offensive maintains a dynamic approach, in which the actions are adjusted based on what works and what doesn't. For next year, the goal is to reduce the number of attacks by at least ten percent. For example, by making the often vulnerable potential implementers more resilient to the temptations of quick money with targeted communication. The coaches of Only You Determine Who You Are are trained in the approach to explosives. These trainers will start at the end of April with workshops to young people on the subject of explosions. Targeted communication is also used to increase people's willingness to report in order to prevent (recurring) explosions.
European approach to illegal fireworks
In order to tackle the illegal production, transport and sale of heavy fireworks at the source, the Minister of Justice and Security, together with the Offensive, is committed to cooperation between European member states and to measures at the European level. International cooperation is also being intensified at the operational level. David van Weel, Minister of Justice and Security: "Tackling attacks with explosives is complex, multifaceted and unruly and requires cooperation on all fronts: from prevention to prosecution, and from local to European approach. I will continue to work at European level to combat the supply of and trade in illegal fireworks. Together we can turn the tide."
Image: Ton Hazewinkel/Shutterstock.com
Who will take part in the Offensive?
The Offensive Against Explosions consists of representatives on behalf of the G4, the G40 and the Association of Dutch Municipalities, the police, the Public Prosecution Service, the probation organisations and the Ministry of Justice and Security, VNO-NCW and MKB Nederland (on behalf of the business community), the Dutch Association of Insurers and Aedes (on behalf of housing corporations). Everyone participates from their own role, responsibility and authority. Mayor Carola Schouten of Rotterdam is chairman.