EBU Addresses Flag Ban Concerns Following Eurovision 2024
Twelve days after the Eurovision 2024 final, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) continues to address the controversies that marked this year’s edition. One of the most discussed issues was the ban on the European Union flag, which was not allowed into the venue, prompting complaints from high-ranking officials in the European Commission. The EBU has now provided a detailed official response.
EBU’s Response to the Flag Ban Criticism
In their statement, the EBU emphasized that both the European Union and the European Broadcasting Union share values of universality, diversity, equality, and inclusivity. The organization highlighted, «The EBU has a long tradition of celebrating diversity through music» and continuously strives to reflect these values in the contest.
The EBU explained that managing an event of such size and complexity presents various challenges. They stated that there was no explicit ban on the EU flag at the Malmö venue. Historically, the flag has been visible in previous editions, but this year, due to the delicate global political context, stricter security measures were enforced.
«The list of participating countries» flags, along with all other security policies, was applied more strictly than ever at the venue entrance,» the statement noted. The EBU also committed to reviewing its flag policy for future events, ensuring that it was never their intention to discredit the EU flag as an important symbol of European unity and solidarity.
Reactions from the European Commission
The Vice President of the European Commission was among the officials who expressed dissatisfaction with the EBU, calling the decision to ban the EU flag at Eurovision «incoherent.» Socialist MEP Domènec Ruiz Devesa shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) the official letter he received from Noel Curran, EBU Director General. In the letter, Curran reiterated that there was no explicit ban but acknowledged the need for stricter security due to concerns about potential disruptions.
Curran stated, “We would like to reiterate that this year there was no explicit ban on any flag, and note that the EU flag has been clearly visible in previous editions.” However, he emphasized that concerns about the global political context necessitated stricter security measures.
Curran’s letter also assured that the EBU would review its security and flag policies for the next year, committing to uphold the values of inclusion and diversity that define Eurovision.
A Contest of Highs and Challenges
Eurovision 2024, held in Malmö, Sweden, will be remembered for its musical highlights as well as the controversies that arose. Switzerland’s victory with Nemo, the first non-binary winner, was a significant milestone, but the handling of certain organizational aspects, such as the flag policy, sparked considerable debate.
The EBU now faces the challenge of learning from these incidents and improving the experience for all participants and viewers in future events. With promises to review and adjust its policies, the organization aims to maintain the integrity and celebration of diversity that Eurovision embodies.
