The organisers of the annual Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) have pledged that a new code of conduct along with a raft of new measures will help “protect” the wellbeing of artists following a number of controversies during this year’s competition.
As Swiss entrant Nemo won the 2024 edition of the competition in Malmo, Sweden, the May grand final saw pro-Palestinian protesters outside the arena amid the war in the Middle East, as well as accusations made by acts of threats towards them.
The controversy led the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to appoint an independent expert to review the contest.
On Tuesday, the competition said: “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.
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“For the first time, agreeing to abide by the code of conduct will be a requirement for accreditation to the event, signalling the EBU’s commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive environment.
“The duty of care protocol emphasises the shared responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress.”
The Israeli delegation was criticised by contestants including Ireland 2024 entrant Bambie Thug, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views.
They accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of a rule break, with claims of inciting “violence”.
Kan also claimed it “faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, notably from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, solely because of the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there”.
[ Bambie Thug’s quiet protest was more effective than any Eurovision boycottOpens in new window ]
There was also controversy after the disqualification of the Netherlands’s entrant, Joost Klein, from the final following accusations of threatening behaviour towards a female member of the production crew.
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros criticised the decision and said the Netherlands’ participation in the contest was “under consideration”, before confirming later this year it would return following the EBU promising improvements for 2025.
The EBU said: “New measures at the 2025 ESC in Basle include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and optimised rehearsal schedules to ensure artists have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the host city.
“The EBU will continue to uphold the ESC values of inclusivity and celebrating diversity by commissioning a Eurovision pledge to emphasise the commitment to community, respect, and equality.”
Klein’s criminal case was dropped by the Swedish Prosecution Authority in August.
After lifting the trophy, Nemo, who won with the opera-dance track The Code, said “this whole experience was really intense”, and was “really sad” over the furore about the 2024 contest.
Martin Green, the new ESC director, who was appointed following the outrage at this year’s event, said: “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.
“We believe the changes we’re making for Basle 2025 make the Eurovision Song Contest the best experience it can be for our participants, our staff, and our audiences.”
Bakel Walden, chairman of the governing board ESC Reference Group, called the code of conduct a “first, important step to ensure the successful and responsible development of this iconic music event”.
“On behalf of all participating artists, delegations and staff members, the reference group remains firmly committed to championing a positive, creative, and safe Eurovision Song Contest in an ever-changing global landscape,” he said.
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.
