The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have unveiled a new code of conduct and duty of care protocols aimed at “safeguarding” the well-being of artists in light of the controversies that emerged during this year’s event.
In anticipation of the 2024 final in Malmo, Sweden, thousands of pro-Palestine activists demonstrated outside the venue against Israel’s participation amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Several Eurovision performers reported receiving threats, while there was considerable controversy surrounding political statements made by some contestants prior to the final.
Nemo, the Swiss representative, was declared the winner, but expressed that the experience was “intense” and shared feelings of disappointment that it hadn’t simply been an event filled with “love and unity”.
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How did Eurovision 2024 unfold?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has appointed an independent specialist to evaluate the contest.
Now, the organisers have revealed new initiatives for the 2025 event to be held in Basel “to honor community and ensure well-being”. These measures will consist of designated no-filming zones in important artist areas, increased closed-door rehearsals, and the introduction of a welfare producer “to guarantee a secure, respectful, and supportive atmosphere”.
In a statement, they remarked: “The EBU is implementing a new code of conduct and duty of care protocol to define clear responsibilities for all parties involved in the event.”
Compliance with the code of conduct will be mandatory for accreditation, as stated by the organisers.
The “duty of care protocol underlines the collective responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in protecting artists from unwarranted physical or emotional strain.”
Ireland’s Bambie Thug performing in the semi-final. Pic: Reuters
During the 2024 contest, the Israeli team garnered criticism from participants including Ireland’s representative Bambie Thug, who has been vocal about their pro-Palestine stance.
They accused the Israeli broadcaster Kan of violating rules, alleging incitement of “violence”.
Kan responded by claiming it “confronted tremendous pressure and an unprecedented exhibition of animosity, particularly from other delegations and artists, demonstrably and collectively, purely because we are Israelis and our presence there”.
Israel’s contestant Eden Golan informed Sky News before the event that her primary goal was to represent her country with pride, stating that “nothing else truly impacted” her amidst the protests occurring outside.
Joost Klein, the representative from the Netherlands, faced disqualification. Pic: AP
The disqualification of Joost Klein, the Dutch representative, sparked considerable debate, following allegations of making verbal threats towards a production team member.
In August, the Swedish Prosecution Authority decided to drop Klein’s criminal case.
Martin Green, who has recently taken over as the director of the Eurovision Song Contest after this year’s incidents, remarked: “We are United by Music – it is our collective responsibility to guarantee that the Eurovision Song Contest continues to be an occasion that fosters unity, diversity, and inclusion.”
Discover more:
Protests and an expulsion: The uproar in Malmo
Eurovision addresses contestants’ grievances
Olly Alexander, the UK’s representative, placed 18th in the contest. Pic: AP
Earlier this year, the BBC revealed that David May, manager of Sam Ryder, would lead the search for the UK’s next Eurovision participant.
Olly Alexander, who competed this year, secured 18th place out of 25, accumulating 46 points from the judges but receiving “nul points” from the audience vote.
The grand finale of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for 17 May in St Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland.
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