Moldovan Ombudsman says fireworks' risks real, other forms of celebration needed

More and more mayoralties of Moldova are choosing to mark New Year's Eve without fireworks, opting for alternative solutions regarded as safer and more responsible. The trend is welcomed by Ombudsman Ceslav Panico, who draws attention to the negative impact of pyrotechnic articles on people's health, the environment and animals.

“I am happy to see that, recently, the subject of limiting or even banning the use of pyrotechnic articles has sparked real debates in the public space. The fact that the media, civic platforms and more and more citizens are openly addressing this subject is an important sign of the maturation of public discussion,” said Ceslav Panico.

The ombudsman highlights that fireworks’ risks are often underestimated, especially in the case of vulnerable people, as well as concerning the environment.

“It is essential for these debates to continue, so that not only state institutions, but also the population, as a whole, become aware of the real risks of fireworks to people's health, the environment, animals and birds, as well as the necessity to identify non-invasive alternatives that preserve the joy and charm of the holidays,” he noted.

Ceslav Panico appreciated the positions assumed by more institutions, including the Environment Ministry and the Environmental Agency, as well as the actions of the Interior Ministry (MAI) and its subordinate institutions.

“I especially appreciate the firm attitude of MAI, the General Police Inspectorate, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the Border Police, which have contributed to informing and sensitizing the population regarding the risks of using pyrotechnic articles and clarifying the applicable legal limits,” the ombudsman also said.

At the same time, he drew attention to the phenomenon of illegal sale of pyrotechnic articles.

“The intensified actions of the National Police in the past month have led to the detection of illegal pyrotechnic products, without provenance documents, worth hundreds of thousands of lei. These findings confirm the extent of the phenomenon and the need for firm, consistent and long-term measures,” said Panico.

In early December, the Office of the Ombudsman sent requests to about 40 mayoralties of Moldova, encouraging them to redirect the resources planned for fireworks towards non-invasive celebration activities. According to preliminary information, more settlements have not planned and do not intend to include fireworks in the official New Year's programme.

For the year 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman announces the continuation of this initiative by drafting a comprehensive analytical report and initiating a wide dialogue with authorities, civil society, and academia.

“I reiterate the call to authorities, local communities and event organizers to draw inspiration from good European practices and to renounce fireworks, choosing more responsible solutions towards what is around us,” concluded Ceslav Panico.