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Schinas’ letter to the EBU: “Who is the Eurovision Song Contest for?”

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European Commission’s Vice President Margaritis Schinas sent a letter to the management of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) today, expressing his regret over the prohibition of the EU flag at the Eurovision Song Contest final and demanding explanations.

As the Commissioner responsible, among other things, for cultural policy in the EU, Schinas highlights in his letter to the EBU, that for almost seven decades, Eurovision has embodied the values of diversity and cultural exchange – values shared and supported by the EU. He further expresses “regret” for “the policy applied by the EBU this year to prohibit participants from waving the EU flag during the Eurovision Song Contest final.”

“Such actions have cast a shadow over what is intended to be a joyful event for people across Europe and the world to come together in celebration. Less than a month before the European elections and in times of geopolitical turmoil, with the EU being targeted by malicious and authoritarian actors, the decision of the EBU has contributed to the devaluation of a symbol that unites all Europeans,” stated Schinas in his letter. Conversely, he points out that at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, “the IOC allowed the display of EU flags in all venues and award ceremonies.”

“The inconsistency in the EBU‘s stance has left me and many millions of viewers wondering what and whose Eurovision Song Contest is,” emphasizes the Commissioner, calling on the EBU management to explain the rationale behind this decision.

The response from the European Broadcasting Union remains to be seen, with voices against it growing stronger day by day after the events in Malmö.

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Controversy Erupts as EU Flags Banned at Eurovision Final

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The European Broadcasting Union’s move to prohibit EU flags during Saturday’s Eurovision final has sparked outrage, with Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas denouncing it as a boon to “enemies of Europe.”

Expressing bewilderment at the decision, Schinas criticized the timing of the ban amidst upcoming European elections and amidst demonstrations in Tbilisi supporting EU democratic values. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s spokesperson also lamented the ban, highlighting the significance of the EU flag alongside national flags on public buildings.

“It’s mind-blowing, what the EBU did,” Schinas told POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook after the song contest’s widely watched conclusion was overshadowed by political controversy.

Schinas questioned the rationale behind the ban and its beneficiaries, suggesting it primarily benefits Euroskeptics and foes of Europe.

“I cannot find the logical explanation for why the EBU is doing this. And what does this serve?”

“Less than a month from the European elections, who wins from banning the EU flag from Eurovision?” the commissioner added. “Only the Euroskeptics and the enemies of Europe.”

The EBU defended its policy, stating it remained consistent with previous years, permitting only flags of participating countries and pride flags. However, Schinas vowed to address the issue with EBU management, seeking clarification.

“I will talk to them. I won’t let this pass,” he said. “I will seek explanations and clarifications.”

In the midst of the controversy, Nemo, a Swiss rapper, emerged as the winner of Eurovision 2024, delivering a powerful message about self-discovery as a non-binary person.

Despite the festivities, this year’s competition in Malmö, Sweden, was overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, with protests and mixed reactions during performances. Reflecting on the event, Nemo humorously noted the mishap of breaking their trophy and suggested Eurovision could use some “fixing” too.

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Source: Politico