Eurovision 2024: Six Countries on the Brink of Withdrawal Nearly Derail the Festival!
Eurovision 2024 faced a historic disaster as six countries considered withdrawing in protest amid controversies surrounding the 68th edition of the festival. The issues at hand were Israel’s participation amidst its offensive on Gaza and the unexpected expulsion of the Netherlands’ representative.
Norway, Greece, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, and Switzerland teetered on the brink of boycotting the final. According to reports from the Norwegian newspaper VG, these countries held an emergency meeting with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) when there were only 25 minutes left until the gala began.
«Many of us reacted to Israel’s opportunity to use Eurovision as its own political instrument. That’s why we considered withdrawing until the very last second,» revealed Magnus Børmark, a member of Norway’s delegation.
While Norway’s intention to withdraw was already known, it was not public knowledge that five other countries shared the same sentiment. The Norwegian delegation, along with those of Greece, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, and Switzerland, were uncomfortable with the EBU’s inaction regarding Israel’s participation, especially considering that the Gaza offensive had resulted in over 34,000 deaths, mostly civilians. The tense atmosphere and behaviors of the Israeli delegation exacerbated discontent.
«Our common point was that we did not want to compete to be used and marked in a war propaganda machine in Israel. We participate to create a space where we can unite in music, not in a political situation where everyone chooses sides and hates each other,» added Børmark.
Additionally, the expulsion of the Netherlands’ representative, Joost Klein, just hours before the finals also sparked outrage. Klein was disqualified for allegedly engaging in «inappropriate behavior» with a member of the production team who facilitated the broadcast.
The threat of a mass withdrawal was real. Ireland did not participate in Saturday’s rehearsal, and Switzerland and Greece did not attend the traditional flag parade.
In a dramatic turn of events, just half an hour before the gala began, the critical countries reached an agreement with the EBU and Swedish broadcaster SVT, the event’s organizer. Had this agreement not been reached, Eurovision would have experienced its most tumultuous night, and Switzerland, which eventually won the contest, would not have had the opportunity to compete in the final.
