The Eurovision Song Contest continued to spark unprecedented controversy, days after the winner was crowned, with the 27 countries of the European Union criticizing organizers on Monday for their “inconsistency” in banning their flag from the venue. concerts during the final.
In an unusually harsh letter, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas wrote to the Swiss-based European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest, that its ban contributes to “discrediting a symbol that unites all Europeans.” .
EDEN GOLAN, ISRAELI EUROVISION PARTICIPANT, SURROUNDED BY BOOS, APPLAUSE AND STRONG SECURITY BEFORE THE FINAL
In a contest already rife with controversy, the European Commission said it plans “a very lively discussion” with organizers over the ban. Although the 27-nation EU did not compete as such, many of its member states did, and the star-studded blue flag is often seen as a unifier for all involved.
Nemo, representing Switzerland, with the song “The Code”, wins the final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest at the Malmö Arena, in Malmö, Sweden, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. (Jessica Gow/TT News Agency via AP)
Schinas wrote that “such actions have overshadowed what should be a joyous occasion for the people of Europe and the world to come together in celebration.”
The flag is displayed at countless events and in all EU countries, often flying alongside the national colors from small town halls to huge government buildings.
Schinas was especially bitter because the ban came just a month before EU-wide parliamentary elections, where the EU as an institution is the subject of fierce debate and often attacked by extremist parties.
“The inconsistency in the EBU's stance has left me and many millions of viewers wondering what and for whom the Eurovision Song Contest represents,” the letter said.
During the week-long contest, organizers were already concerned about protests related to the war in Gaza and Israel's involvement in the event, as well as the controversial disqualification of the Dutch participant for an incident that was never fully explained.
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Ahead of the final, a spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union said ticket holders could only bring and display flags representing the participating countries, as well as the rainbow-coloured flag, which is a symbol of the communities. LGBTQ+.
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer's journey toward adopting a genderless identity.
