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Eurovision 2025 Tightens Performer Flag Rules While Expanding Audience Freedoms

Performers are restricted to national flags only, while fans can display any legally permitted banners under new policies for the Basel contest.

Iceland's Eurovision entrant Systur pulled out a transgender flag in 2022. (Getty)
Eurovision winner Nemo had to "smuggle" their non-binary flag into the arena. (Getty)
People gather for a rally in Malmo, Sweden, in protest against Israel's participation in the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on May 9, 2024. (Johan NILSSON / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP via Getty)

Overview

  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has banned Eurovision 2025 performers from displaying any flags other than their official national banners during performances and official events.
  • This restriction includes the prohibition of Pride flags, Ukrainian flags, Palestinian flags, and EU flags for performers, with unspecified sanctions for non-compliance.
  • In contrast, fans attending Eurovision events in Basel will be allowed to bring any flags or banners that comply with Swiss law and safety guidelines.
  • The updated audience policy overturns the previous ban on Palestinian flags, allowing their display alongside other legally permitted flags during the contest.
  • These changes follow controversies at Eurovision 2024 over flag restrictions and political protests, as the EBU aims to balance political neutrality with self-expression.