Artists competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will only be permitted to display their country’s official flag at Eurovision events, under new rules that effectively ban Pride and other non-national flags from official spaces, including the main stage and the opening ceremony.
The updated policy, first reported by Danish broadcaster DR and shared by PinkNews, restricts contestants and their delegations to using only the national flag of the country they represent at all official Eurovision venues and performances. This includes the Eurovision stage, Green Room, Opening Ceremony, and the Village Stage.
As a result, LGBTQ+ contestants such as Malta’s Miriana Conte, Austria’s JJ, and Finland’s Erika Vikman will not be allowed to display Pride-related flags during performances.
Contestants are also barred from showing solidarity with other nations, such as by holding Ukraine’s flag.
A Eurovision spokesperson confirmed the policy was developed by Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR in coordination with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), “to provide clarity for audiences and delegations.”
“In line with other international competitive events, the policy for participating broadcasters is that only one national flag can be used in official spaces,” the spokesperson stated.
“Outside of these official spaces, the flag policy for delegations is the same as for audiences, where all flags permitted under Swiss law can be used.”
Last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Nemo—who identifies as non-binary—revealed they were forced to smuggle the non-binary flag past security to display it during the flag parade. “I had to smuggle my flag in because Eurovision said no, and I did it anyway,” they said.
This year, only official country flags provided by SRG SSR will be allowed in the flag parade. The EBU confirmed there would be “consequences” for breaking the rules, though no specific penalties have been outlined.
In contrast to the stricter rules for performers, flag regulations have been relaxed for fans attending the contest in Basel’s St. Jakobshalle arena.
Audience members will be allowed to bring “all flags and banners” into events, provided they do not pose a safety or production risk and comply with Swiss law. This includes the previously banned Palestinian flag, which will be permitted this year.
Flag policies have been a contentious issue in recent years. At the 2023 contest in Sweden, fans reported being denied entry with certain Pride and EU flags. Eurovision previously limited fan flags to those of competing countries and the general rainbow Pride flag.
Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, with semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and 15, and the grand final on May 17.
Source: Pink News.
