A few days ago, Danish broadcaster DR revealed details about the new, updated flag policy for Eurovision 2025. The policy, drafted by the host broadcaster SRG SSR and the EBU, forbids artists and delegations to use any flag other than their national flag in “officia spaces”. This includes a ban on Rainbow and Pride flags, which has been criticized by some, including AVROTROS.
Negotiations after a discussion with COC
AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, will formally object to the new flag policy. They had stated earlier support for it, as they had been part of the delegations asking for a new policy limiting the capacity for delegations to show political statements through the use of flags.
On April 28, the Dutch LGBTI+ advocacy group COC published a statement regarding the policy, explaining that they had asked AVROTROS to enter talks with the EBU to allow delegations to use Pride flags if they so wished.
Initially, the broadcaster stated that they understood the Eurovision ban on the use of flags. AVROTROS later nuanced this. According to the broadcaster, rainbow flags and pride flags are indeed not a political statement. AVROTROS emphasizes that they believe it is important that everyone can express themselves freely. They regret that symbols which are associated with inclusivity and freedom of expression, such as the rainbow flag, fall under the Eurovision ban.
COC’s statement on the Base 2025 flag policy, April 28, 2025
At the same time, AVROTROS understands the Eurovision Song Contest’s considerations. We think they have to choose. You can’t have a flag on stage and not have one at the same time.
COC described itself as “the longest-standing LGBTI+ advocacy organization in the world”, being founded back in 1946, almost 80 years ago.
AVROTROS has confirmed that they are in talks with the EBU, but states that the discussions with COC, despite being productive and positive, were not the reasons behind their decision to appeal the flag policy. “We previously indicated that we regretted that flags from the rainbow community were banned”, said AVROTROS, according to RTL.
A strict flag policy for artists
The flag policy will indeed be stricter on delegations this year. It is understood that delegations and artists may only use their national flags during any official Eurovision event and/or in Eurovision venues. These include:
- The opening ceremony and Turquoise Carpet
- The Eurovision stage
- The Eurovision Village stage
- The Green Room
For the flag parade, SRG SSR will provide the one flag to be used by each delegation.
This policy was met with some criticisms from fans, with questions asked on non-national flags such as the Sami flag, the Australlian Aboriginal flag or the Torres Strait Islanders flag, as well as flags from specific regions which may be important to the artists and to its song. Sissal herself, the Danish representative, stated that she would likely not be allowed to use the flag of the Faroe Island in addition to the Danish flag.
The fact that the live audience will be allowed to bring any in the arena, as long as it does not violate Swiss law, made the policy on artists look even stricter by contrast.
How do you feel about the new flag policy? Do you think artists should be banned from showing other flags in official events and spaces? Tell us more in the comments below or on social media, at @escxtra!
