The Hidden Costs of Eurovision: A Joyous Celebration in a Complex World

When we think of the Eurovision Song Contest, images of glitter, joyous music, and an inclusive celebration of diversity come to mind. Yet, behind the dazzling spectacle lies a complex web of challenges that the host city must navigate, as Karin Karlsson, the experienced Swedish organizer, knows all too well.

Karlsson, who recently oversaw the 2024 Eurovision in Malmö, is no stranger to the intricacies of hosting one of the world’s most beloved and, paradoxically, most politically charged events. As Geneva and Basel vie to host Eurovision 2025, Karlsson’s insights offer a sobering reminder that Eurovision is more than just a festival of lights and sound—it is a microcosm of the global tensions that shape our times.

Malmö, a city with a rich history of hosting Eurovision, faced unexpected hurdles that turned what should have been a celebration into a tense exercise in crisis management. «It wasn’t just a joyous, inclusive festival,» Karlsson recalls. «It was entangled in the global political storm.» The spectre of terrorism, cyber-attacks, and geopolitical unrest hovered over the event, transforming the city into a fortified zone, far removed from the carefree Eurovision of yesteryears.

For Karlsson, the issue of security was paramount. As the threat level in Sweden escalated, the traditional Eurovision Village, usually a vibrant hub of outdoor activities, was moved indoors to ensure greater control. This change, though necessary, altered the essence of the event. «We had to think strategically about safety, but it came at the cost of the festival’s open, celebratory spirit,» she admits.

The financial implications of such heightened security are staggering. Malmö’s police force alone invested around 100 million Swedish kronor (approximately 8.6 million €) into securing the event. Yet, despite these measures, the fear of cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns loomed large. Karlsson’s concerns resonate as Switzerland prepares to take the mantle: “I would be surprised if Switzerland escapes unscathed by cyber-attacks.”

But Eurovision’s impact isn’t limited to security concerns. The economic benefits for the host city are substantial, yet often overestimated. Malmö’s experience shows that while the event brings in visitors, filling hotels and conference centres, the long-term tourism boost is harder to quantify. “Eurovision put Malmö on the map,” Karlsson reflects, “but we’re still waiting to see the full extent of its lasting impact.

As Geneva and Basel brace themselves for the final decision, they must consider more than just the glittering surface of Eurovision. They must prepare for the less glamorous, yet increasingly significant, challenges that come with hosting a global event in an unpredictable world. The celebration of music and diversity, it seems, is only one side of the Eurovision coin. The other side is a reflection of the world’s anxieties, played out on the grandest stage of all.

Source: Blick.ch

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1 respuesta

  1. Peggy Sue McRae dice:

    How did they not mention Israel? Most of the tensions, anger and upset of Malmo could have been avoided had Israel been asked to stay home. The added security costs alone should be justification not to mention the Israeli delegations harassment of other artists and their big money advertising for their tele-vote. EBU apparently will do nothing to solve the problems. It’s up to the Swiss now.

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