The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is one step closer to being hosted in Basel, Switzerland, after the Basel-Stadt Grand Council officially approved funding for the event. The Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the 37.46 million CHF (40 million EUR) budget, with 87 votes for and just 4 against. All political parties represented in the Council backed the funding.
A Big Win for Basel – But Not Without Challenges
While the approval is significant in Basel’s journey to hosting Eurovision, there remains a potential obstacle. The Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU), a political party, is campaigning for a referendum to challenge the funding. The EDU is working to gather 2,000 signatures, which would trigger a public vote on November 24. If the referendum succeeds, voters will have the opportunity to overturn the Council’s decision, putting Basel’s hosting of the contest at risk.
Cantonal President Conradin Cramer acknowledged the possibility of a referendum as a “worst-case scenario” but expressed confidence that the public can be convinced of Eurovision’s benefits. “We will do everything we can to show the people of Basel what the Eurovision Song Contest brings – even to those who aren’t typically engaged with it,” Cramer said.
Budget and Expected Revenues
Of the 37.46 million CHF allocated, the net expenditure for the event is expected to be just under 35 million CHF (37.3 million EUR), thanks to anticipated revenues of 2.5 million CHF (2.67 million EUR). These revenues are expected to come primarily from the “Arena Plus,” a venue at St. Jakob Park where thousands of fans will gather to watch the contest’s grand final. Additionally, the costs for the Eurovision Village, a key fan and cultural hub during the event, will be covered by the Swisslos Fund.
Basel has positioned itself as a city that can host large-scale, sustainable events. “We want to show how such an event can be done sustainably,” said Cramer, underscoring the city’s commitment to its role as a “climate city.”
Eurovision 2025 – Switzerland’s Return to Hosting
Switzerland was awarded the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 after Nemo won the 2024 contest in Malmö, Sweden, with their song “The Code.” Nemo’s victory brought Switzerland its third Eurovision win and first since Celine Dion in 1988.
The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025. Hosting the event is expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the city. According to a study by the University of Liverpool, the economic impact for a Eurovision host city can be as much as 300 million CHF over the three years following the event.
What’s Next?
With the Grand Council’s approval, Basel has cleared a crucial political hurdle in its preparations to host Eurovision 2025. However, the looming referendum could still impact the event’s future in the city. The next few months will be pivotal in determining whether the event will proceed as planned in Basel, with supporters and opponents of the budget likely to ramp up their campaigns ahead of a potential vote.
For now, Eurovision fans can look forward to an exciting contest in 2025, as Switzerland prepares to host one of the world’s largest and most-watched music competitions.
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What is it with swiss an referendums they were the same over the olympic bid. Sometimes you have to spend abit to gain some revenue. Just enjoy the moment it dosent vome round often.