Audiences will be allowed to wave Palestinian flags during the Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) revised its regulations to permit all legally allowed flags at the event.
Switzerland, which is hosting this year’s competition next month, confirmed that any flag permitted under Swiss law, including Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags, would be allowed in the audience.
According to contest organizers, "political messages must be avoided," though the host country places a "high value on freedom of expression." Organizers noted that symbols are treated the same as flags, meaning there is no specific exemption for symbols of hostages to be added to Israeli flags waved by spectators, though the enforcement of this policy remains unclear.
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Organizers emphasized that Eurovision is a "joyful and not a political event," dedicated to music and culture, and stressed that "any political advocacy, including declarations or symbols during the competition or its related events, should be avoided."
"Although there are sanctions for breaches of the competition rules, we expect all delegations to approach the flag policy in good faith and understand that it is designed to create clarity and balance when it comes to expressing national and other identities," the EBU said.
Participating delegations will be allowed to raise only the flags of their respective countries. The Palestinian flag may be displayed in the audience but not on stage or at official Eurovision events, such as the red carpet or the green room.