The European Union has condemned the EBU’s decision to ban its flag from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
European Union “mind-blown” by choices
Speaking to political newspaper POLITICO, Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas said that they whole-heartedly did not agree with the EBU’s decision. This involved implementing a stricter flag policy than in previous years.
In previous editions of the Contest, the European Union flag was spotted proudly flying in the hands of fans alongside those of the competing countries. However, this year, due to heightened political tensions, the EBU brought in a tougher policy. As a result, only flags of participating countries were allowed into the arena – although many were able to work around these rules.
Schinas explained:
It’s mind-blowing, what the EBU did. I cannot find the logical explanation for why the EBU is doing this. And what does this serve? Less than a month from the European elections, who wins from banning the EU flag from Eurovision? Only the Eurosceptics and the enemies of Europe.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission
When asked on what would be done to raise the matter, Schinas said she would be having a meeting with the EBU. She added that she “won’t let it pass”, and that she would be seeking “explanations and clarifications”.
Similarly, a spokesperson for the President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen also expressed concern for the ban of the flag from the show. They said:
It is certainly regrettable to ban the flag that is the flag of all the EU members and other Council of Europe members taking part in the contest and often flies alongside national flags on public buildings.
Spokesperson for Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
In a statement responding to the issues, the EBU gave their side of the story:
Due to heightened geopolitical tensions, the flag policy was more rigorously enforced by security at this year’s event. We will look again at the flag policy for 2025 in conjunction with our new host broadcaster.
Statement from the European Broadcasting Union
The story of Eurovision 2024
The Nordic country will host the 68th edition of the competition. This is after Loreen’s historic win at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. One month after the 2023 contest took place, SVT revealed the first names of the Core Team that will work on the competition. SVT completed the team in September.
In July 2023, after a shortlist of four cities, the EBU announced that Malmö would host Eurovision 2024. The city will spend up to €2.5 million for the contest. Additionally, they will have 600 volunteers working for the show.
In total, 37 countries participated in the Contest. Luxembourg returned, whilst Romania withdrew. ‘United By Music’ became the permanent slogan for the Contest. The show had ‘The Eurovision Lights’ as the theme art. Florian Wieder and Fredrik Stormby designed the stage, revealed in December.
What do you make of the European Union’s intervention? Do you think the EBU will learn anything from this year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all your Eurovision news!
News Source: POLITICO
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
That Eurovision Site