Eurovision Introduces New Code of Conduct After Controversy
Eurovision Overhaul: new Code of Conduct Aims to Protect Artists After Tumultuous 2024 Contest
Basle, switzerland – Following a year marred by controversy, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is implementing sweeping changes to protect the well-being of its participants. A new code of conduct and duty of care protocol will be in place for the 2025 competition in Basle, Switzerland, organizers announced.
The move comes after a tumultuous 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden, which saw pro-Palestinian protests outside the arena amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Accusations of threats and intimidation against artists further fueled the controversy, prompting the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to launch an independent review.
“The EBU is introducing a new code of conduct and duty of care protocol to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all involved in the event,” the organization stated.
For the first time, agreeing to abide by the code of conduct will be mandatory for accreditation to the event, signaling the EBU’s commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive surroundings.
The duty of care protocol emphasizes the shared obligation of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists from needless physical or emotional distress.
The 2024 contest was especially fraught with tension.Ireland’s entrant,Bambie Thug,a vocal pro-Palestine advocate,accused the Israeli broadcaster Kan of inciting violence against them. Kan, in turn, claimed it faced “immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred” from other delegations and artists solely as they were Israeli.
Further controversy erupted when the Netherlands’ entrant, Joost Klein, was disqualified from the final following accusations of threatening behavior towards a production crew member.
These incidents prompted the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros to initially question their participation in future contests. However,after the EBU promised improvements for 2025,Avrotros confirmed their return.
In addition to the new code of conduct, the EBU is implementing practical changes to enhance artist well-being. These include designated no-filming zones in key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and optimized rehearsal schedules to ensure artists have ample time to rest and explore the host city.
“We are United by Music – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion,” said Martin Green, the newly appointed ESC director.
The EBU’s commitment to inclusivity will be further emphasized through a Eurovision pledge, reaffirming the contest’s dedication to community, respect, and equality.
Nemo, the swiss winner of the 2024 contest, expressed relief at the changes. “This whole experience was really intense,” Nemo said, adding they were ”really sad” about the controversies surrounding the 2024 event.Bakel Walden, chairman of the governing board ESC Reference Group, hailed the code of conduct as a “first, important step to ensure the prosperous and responsible progress of this iconic music event.”
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will take place in St Jakobshalle in Basle on May 17th, with the semi-finals taking place on May 13th and 15th.
Eurovision Overhaul: Protecting artists After Tumultuous 2024 Contest
Basle, Switzerland: The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is implementing notable changes to protect participant well-being following a controversial 2024 event in Malmo, Sweden. A new code of conduct and duty of care protocol will be in place for the 2025 competition in basle.
Thes actions follow pro-Palestinian protests outside the Malmo arena, accusations of threats and intimidation, and public clashes between delegations.
The highlights of these changes include:
Mandatory Code of Conduct: Agreement to the code of conduct will be mandatory for accreditation to the event.
Duty of Care Protocol: This emphasizes the shared responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists.
Designated Safe Spaces: Designated no-filming zones in key artist areas.
Optimized Rehearsal Schedules: More closed-door rehearsals and adjusted schedules to allow ample time for rest and exploration.
martin Green, the newly appointed ESC director, emphasized the importance of Eurovision as a platform for unity, diversity, and inclusion. The EBU’s commitment to these values will be further underlined by a Eurovision pledge.
Nemo, the Swiss winner of Eurovision 2024, expressed relief at the changes, recalling the intensity and sadness surrounding the 2024 controversies.
Bakel Walden, chairman of the ESC Reference Group, described the new code of conduct as a crucial first step in ensuring the responsible and successful future of this iconic music event.
The grand final of Eurovision 2025 will take place on May 17th in Basle’s St Jakobshalle, with the semi-finals scheduled for May 13th and 15th.