Following Russia's diplomatic move, the Eurovision Song Contest has implemented prohibitions: Flags representing LGBTI* and Ukraine are already forbidden.
Flicking the Bird at Controversy: Eurovision's New Flag Policy
The grandeur of Eurovision has never been short on drama, and this year is no exception. After Russia's dramatic exit, the contest has made a few contentious changes to its flag policy. Here's the lowdown on the new rules.
A Balancing Act
Following sensational controversies from the past, Eurovision 2025 has revised its flag policy, aiming for a delicate balance between artistic expression and a non-political atmosphere. The changes are summarised below:
- Audience Spirit: Spectators are free to wave any flag in the crowd, be it from the LGBTQ+ community, a non-participating nation, or the Palestinian flag - as long as they abide by Swiss law 14.
- Artist's Stage: Artists, however, are limited to displaying only their national flag on stage and in official areas like the green room. This means no more Pride flags or other flags representing nations aside from their own 24.
Behind the Curtains
The change in rules is largely due to previous dust-ups and the need to preserve a politics-free zone for performers. In 2024, the Swedish Broadcaster (SVT) employed stricter measures, only allowing national flags and the Rainbow flag 3. This year's policy seeks to offer more freedom to the audience while keeping the show apolitical for artists 2.
The updated regulations have faced criticism from various interest groups such as the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS and the COC, who view Pride flags as expressions of identity rather than political statements 2. Yet, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) remains firm, focusing on ongoing discussions about representation and visibility 2.
- The revised Eurovision flag policy aims to maintain a balance between artistic expression and a non-political atmosphere, allowing audience members to wave a variety of flags, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, non-participating nations, and the Palestinian flag, as long as they abide by Swiss law.
- In contrast, artists are limited to displaying only their national flag on stage and in official areas like the green room, barring the use of Pride flags or other flags representing nations aside from their own.
- The changes in the flag policy were largely due to previous controversies and the need to preserve a politics-free zone for performers, as seen in the stricter measures implemented by the Swedish Broadcaster (SVT) in 2024, only allowing limited flags such as national flags and the Rainbow flag.
- The updated regulations have received criticism from various interest groups, such as the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS and the COC, who view Pride flags as expressions of identity rather than political statements.
- Despite the backlash, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) remains resolute, focusing on ongoing discussions about representation and visibility to find a compromise that allows for artistic expression while maintaining the contest's apolitical nature.
