New Eurovision rules announced to 'protect' artists after controversies at competition

11 December 2024, 09:33 | Updated: 11 December 2024, 11:07

Eurovision Song Contest organisers have announced a new code of conduct and duty of care protocols to "protect" artists' wellbeing after controversies at this year's competition.

Ahead of the 2024 final in Malmo, Sweden, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the arena against Israel competing amid the war in the Middle East.

Some Eurovision acts also said they had received threats, and there was controversy around some making political statements ahead of the final.

Nemo, the Swiss entrant, was crowned the winner - but said after lifting the trophy that the experience had been "intense" and they were "really sad" it had not just been "all about love and unity".

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) appointed an independent expert to review the contest.

Now, organisers have announced new measures for the 2025 event in Basel "to celebrate community and protect wellbeing", which will include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and the introduction of a welfare producer "to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment".

They said in a statement: "The EBU is introducing a new code of conduct and duty of care protocol to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all involved in the event."

Agreeing to abide by the code of conduct will be a requirement for accreditation, organisers said.

"The duty of care protocol emphasises the shared responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress."

At the 2024 contest, the Israeli delegation was criticised by contestants including Ireland's entrant Bambie Thug, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views.

They accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of a rule break, with claims of inciting "violence".

Kan claimed it "faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, notably from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, solely because of the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there".

Israel's contestant Eden Golan told Sky News ahead of the event that her focus was on representing her nation with pride and "nothing else really affected" her, as protests took place outside.

There was also controversy surrounding the Netherlands' entrant Joost Klein, who was disqualified after allegedly making verbal threats to a female production worker.

Klein's criminal case was dropped by the Swedish Prosecution Authority in August.

Martin Green, the new Eurovision Song Contest director, who was appointed following this year's controversies, said: "We are United by Music - it's up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion."

Read more:
Protests and an expulsion: The controversy at Malmo
Eurovision responds to complaints from contestants

Earlier this year, the BBC announced that Sam Ryder's manager David May is to head up the UK's search for its next Eurovision contestant.

Olly Alexander, who took part this year, came 18th out of 25, with 46 points from judges - and "nul points" from the public vote.

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final is set to take place in St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, on 17 May.

(c) Sky News 2024: New Eurovision rules announced to 'protect' artists after controversies at competition