Eurovision 2025 Takes a Stand: Safe Spaces and Neutrality for Artists in Basel
With Eurovision 2025 just around the corner, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced a series of significant changes aimed at improving the environment for artists, ensuring both physical and emotional well-being in the face of mounting global tensions. The bold new initiative includes the creation of “safe spaces” for participants and a firm request for neutral and apolitical behaviour.
Speaking to the Swiss media outlet Blick, Baken Walden, president of Eurovision’s Reference Group, addressed the challenges faced during Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. In a reflective mood, Walden stressed the importance of protecting artists from undue pressure. “We can’t resolve the world’s wars and conflicts during Eurovision,” he remarked, referencing the heated atmosphere created by Israel’s participation amidst the violence in Gaza last May. Tensions ran high, with 16 delegations reportedly lodging complaints, drawing attention to the delicate balance Eurovision strives to maintain between entertainment and the real world.
In response to these difficulties, Walden outlined the upcoming changes for Basel. “We want to ensure a safe, respectful, and politically neutral environment for everyone involved,” he stated. Artists will have access to private, camera-free zones where they can decompress without media intrusion, a move that follows the unfortunate expulsion of Dutch artist Joost Klein in 2024, whose incident with a camera operator led to significant backlash. Although cleared of wrongdoing, the drama surrounding his case exposed gaps in artist protections that the EBU is determined to address.
The 2025 edition of Eurovision will now include stricter guidelines to promote fairness and respect. While some fans might be disappointed by the call for neutrality, Walden defended the decision, claiming it’s essential to the festival’s ethos of unity. However, despite these efforts, the EBU has stopped short of implementing a formal code of conduct, relying instead on the “common sense” of the participants.
The eyes of Europe will once again be on Eurovision in Basel next May, as the continent comes together to celebrate music. With Nemo and The Code winning the crown for Switzerland in 2024, all bets are off for 2025 – but one thing’s for sure, the contest will be held under the banner of respect and harmony.
Source: Blick
