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As Basel prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the city is implementing unprecedented security measures. Simultaneously, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has agreed to discuss Israel’s participation in the contest following concerns raised by several member broadcasters.
The Swiss military has been called in to support local police in managing the expected influx of 500,000 visitors and potential protests, particularly concerning Israel’s participation amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Swiss officials have reportedly been in contact with their Swedish counterparts, keen to learn from the lessons of Malmö 2024 — a contest dominated not just by the music but by anti-war protests and a city stretched to its policing limits. With those images still fresh in many minds, Switzerland is pulling out all the stops.
Protests expected
Adrian Plachesi, spokesperson for Basel police, stated, “We expect protests throughout the week.” Drawing from experiences in Malmö last year, where demonstrations escalated, Basel authorities have increased police presence, implemented video surveillance in high-traffic areas, and prohibited drones over the event venues.
In a related development, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ has secured a commitment from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to engage in broader discussions regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision. This follows concerns raised by RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst over the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict.
The EBU has reiterated its commitment to maintaining Eurovision as a non-political, inclusive event, emphasising the importance of unity through music. However, the organisation acknowledges the complexities introduced by current geopolitical tensions.
Political temperature
It’s not unusual for Eurovision to reflect the political temperature of the moment – but the 2025 edition is already shaping up to be one of the most scrutinised and security-sensitive in recent history.
As the contest approaches, Basel remains at the center of both celebration and controversy, striving to balance the spirit of Eurovision with the realities of global conflicts.
