Course correction: Following Eurovision 2024 scandals, the EBU issued a code of conduct to protect contestants’ environment, mandatory for all participants in the production.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has today released an official document titled “Code of Conduct for Welfare Protection” on its website. This document comes in response to complaints from contestants and various television networks about improper conduct by various officials during Eurovision 2024. The incident involving Joost Klein, the Dutch representative, who was disqualified on the final night following an incident with a photographer during the second semi-final, is particularly memorable. However, the document addresses numerous complaints, including those from Slovenia. Moreover, these dramatic changes seem to directly address the many incidents directed at the Israeli delegation and Israel’s representative, Eden Golan.
The document states:
“The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) continues to grow as the world’s largest and most celebrated entertainment show, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers globally. As part of its ongoing commitment to creating the best possible experience for all involved, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is pleased to announce a series of enhancements aimed at safeguarding participant wellbeing, ensuring positive experiences for artists and delegations, and promoting the core values of community, respect, and inclusion.”
Commitment to a Safe Environment
For the first time ever, every Eurovision official, from participants to all production staff, will commit to adhering to a code of conduct they will sign. Among other things, participants will be prohibited from making political statements, and the obligation to comply with local laws will be emphasized.
To provide artists with a safe and quiet environment, the European Broadcasting Union announced an area where photographing contestants will be prohibited, allowing them to rest and feel more secure. Closed rehearsals will be added to allow artists to practice without distractions, rehearsal schedules will be streamlined to give artists time to rest and explore the host city, and an official will be appointed to provide support to artists and their teams.
Positive Changes for the Future
These changes aim to create a more positive and supportive environment and will be implemented for the first time in the 2025 competition in Basel. According to the European Broadcasting Union, the document was issued to affirm the Union’s commitment to community, equality, and respect. Martin Green, the new Eurovision manager, stated:
“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 Basel 2025 make the Eurovision Song Contest the best experience it can be for our participants, our staff, and our audiences.”
The Chairman of the Eurovision Supervisory Board, Bakel Walden, declared:
“These new measures, which will be implemented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, are a first, important step to ensure the successful and responsible development of this iconic music event.”
Walden has previously spoken about the need for change. In an interview with “Sonntagsblick”, he addressed the events that occurred at the last Eurovision in Malmö, which were overshadowed by the “Swords of Iron” war and the conflict in the Middle East, admitting that there were mistakes in managing communication and crises in the competition: “In the future, we will ensure more effective crisis management, strengthen communication, and work closely with SRG (Swiss national broadcaster) teams and the project.” He added that the competition organizers are working towards significant improvement in the welfare of artists in the upcoming competition. We see the results of this declaration today in this document.
Source: EBU.CH
Eurovision 2025: This will be Switzerland’s 65th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland joined the competition in 1956, being one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Its most recent victory was at the last Eurovision in 2025, with Nemo’s song “The Code.” This win follows Switzerland’s previous victory in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” performed by international singer Céline Dion.
