Flag waving has been part and parcel of the Eurovision Song Contest for decades as fans passionately cheer for their favourite stars and show solidarity for their communities. But Eurovision 2024 has seen an outcry over the ban that was enforced of certain flags in Malmö arena.

Eurovision rules for the past few years have stated that the only flags allowed into the venue are those of participating countries in addition to the rainbow pride flag. This was strictly enforced in Malmö, with several people told to dispose of EU and non-binary flags before entering.

The EU is now demanding answers on why its flag was not permitted, whilst Switzerland’s winner Nemo called out a “double standard.”

EU flag ban at Eurovision

Executives of the European Union have criticised Eurovision for prohibiting their flag from the venue during the event. Despite not participating as a unified entity, many member states do, and the EU flag symbolises unity among them — the disqualified Dutch entry by Joost Klein was specifically about this European unity and heavily featured the EU flag in the “Europapa” music video.

The European Commission intends to engage in a thorough discussion with Eurovision organisers regarding this ban, adding to the existing controversies surrounding the competition.

EU Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer noted they currently lack information from the organisers regarding the rationale behind the ban on the European Union flag. However, the ban has sufficiently upset EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas, prompting discussions with the Swiss-based European Broadcast Union (EBU), responsible for organising the contest.

Mamer emphasised the importance of the EBU recognising this as an error, stating, “We certainly encourage the EBU to understand this is a mistake.”

Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas criticised the decision to ban EU flags, calling it a boon for “the enemies of Europe,” and described the action as “mind-blowing.”

Veteran Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt also referenced the ban in a social media post regarding protests in Georgia happening concurrently, where people are fighting to move the country towards a European identity: “Freedom, democracy can never be taken for granted!”

Before the final, an EBU spokesperson clarified that only flags representing participating countries and the rainbow flag, symbolising LGBTQ+ communities, were permitted in the audience. The EBU stated that there was no written policy expressly banning the EU flag, but due to heightened geopolitical tensions, security enforced flag regulations more strictly.

The EBU announced a review of flag policies for future events, including the 2025 contest.

Nemo smuggles in non-binary flag

Following their victory at the grand final of Eurovision 2024, Nemo held the official winner’s press conference. They addressed various issues, notably the ban of the non-binary flag within the venue. This was particularly pertinent as the Swiss representative had displayed the non-binary flag during the grand final flag parade and also in the green room.

Nemo was informed that Eurovision fans were not allowed to bring the non-binary flag into the venue, being escorted away by security and told to dispose of them before entering. Commenting about this, Nemo stated:

“That’s unbelievable. I had to smuggle my flag in because… Eurovision said no, and I did it anyway, so… I hope that other people did that too, but come on! Like, this is clearly a double standard, and as I said, I broke the code and I broke the trophy. The trophy can be fixed. Maybe Eurovision needs a little bit of fixing too every now and then.”

Eurovision Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, was not present at the winner’s press conference, thus was unable to make a comment on the situation. Österdahl, who typically joins the winner during the press conference, was absent this year after receiving significant booing from the audience at the venue during the show.

It’s not just Nemo who has spoken up about the “double standard” of the EBU’s policy this year. Fans have also labelled a particular post on the official Eurovision social media channels as tone deaf.

The account shared an image of Nemo with their flag, adding the caption “Non-binary finery.”

Comments underneath were quick to blast the intention to score points from celebrating diversity despite not allowing the same freedom for those attending: “Yet you forced someone in the audience to remove their non-binary flag? Constant double standards. Disgusting and shameful.”

Throughout the winner’s press conference, Nemo candidly shared their Eurovision journey as a non-binary individual. They described the experience as intense and not entirely pleasant, noting that elements seemed to diverge from the theme of love and unity.

However, they also expressed admiration for their fellow artists, emphasising the abundance of love and cultural diversity present at the event. Upon receiving the trophy but also at the press conference, they remarked, “I hope Eurovision can continue to stand for peace and love, but I think that needs a lot of work still.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Nemo also conveyed their gratitude for the entire experience, expressing pride in bringing one of the most queer representations in Eurovision.

They attributed this to their victory in the contest and also highlighted the presence of fellow queer artists in the contest such as Bambie Thug (Ireland), Silvester Belt (Lithuania), Olly Alexander (UK), Kenzy from Megara (San Marino), Mustii (Belgium), Saba (Denmark), and Electric Fields (Australia).

 
 
 
 
 
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What do you think about the EBU policy and Eurovision flag ban? Would you like to see the EU and non-binary flags added to the approved list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Ozzie
Ozzie
3 months ago

In a contest where COUNTRIES take part I don’t see the reason why a flag that represents a political group / flag that represents 0.0001% of the worlds population which states all schools are wrong and science isn’t fact. FLAGS ARE FOR COUNTRIES!

Eva
Eva
3 months ago

If it were a normal fair competition, only music would count, not politics. Why wouldn’t Israel take part? The jury’s open boycott of Israel and Ukraine and great favoritism towards Metler violate the Competition rule. The result should be canceled because there were irregularities and violation of the regulations

jjj
jjj
3 months ago

I spotted many EU flags during the grand final in liverpool last year

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
3 months ago

Imagine banning the European flag, yet still using the name ‘Eurovision’. If the flag isn’t good enough for the EBU, neither should the term ‘Euro’. And while we’re at it, why don’t they just leave Eurovision to people who are actually proud that this is a pan European staple and its legacy as a continent that came together after World War II.
The EBU have become a true cancer of this once wonderful show.

Karl
Karl
3 months ago

BREAKING: A journalist from the New York Times based in Tel Aviv just revealed that the Israeli government hired experts in multiple countries to manipulate the televote for Israel. Check his Twitter @Yonatal_Touval

Jojo
Jojo
3 months ago
Reply to  Karl

Every second day the passes by I’m more and more convinced ( and I don’t believe in god) that God knew humans will need someone to blame for everything,someone that will be the centre of conspiracy theories, that will be the centre of universal hatred so he chose his favorite people the Jews. Time to get of their back .pity people ( akk bambie ) are obsessed with Israel and Jews. Dont you think it enough, ??? So now the 5th place is because they pulled their strings all over the world to put a spell on people to vote… Read more »

Eva
Eva
4 months ago

Its Gayvision and Juryvision now not Eurovision Its a rigget win Because Metler was only 5 by people Never before nobody won beying so low be people Rigget win the true winners were stolen the victory Metler is not a winner Only jury winner

Thallo
Thallo
4 months ago

Why can’t they just allow LGBT+ flags and also all UN member & observer member flags?

Sure, Serbians would be upset about the Kosovan flag and Israelis would be upset about the Palestinian flag, but who cares? They’re both UN members or observers – both flags are flown around the world – why should they be banned at a song contest?

Eyal
Eyal
4 months ago
Reply to  Thallo

Because the example you gave of Serbia, for example. Flags are important, but not as important as the spirit of ESC.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
4 months ago

abolish the EBU asap

cancel eurovision for good

if we netherlands don’t take part, no one has the right to take part in this

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
4 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

Right, I was not expecting that…

Eyal
Eyal
4 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

So what kind of response exactly would you expect from the EBU regarding NL? They could either broadcast the Dutch semi-final performance or let Joost go live. What do you think was the best decision to make on Thursday if you were them?

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Eyal

They should have sanctioned him in some other way, but let him perform. There was absolutely no grounds for disqualification. That was way to harsh.

L’oiseau
L’oiseau
4 months ago

This is just a disgrace. EBU is completely incapable to handle the times we live in and in the process falls victim to enemies of democracy and freedom. It is completely unacceptable and plain stupid to ban the EU flag because it is an official symbol of every of its Member State whether one likes it or not. It is the same as banning any other national flag. And on the non-binary flag ban the stupidly levels increases still some more levels.

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
3 months ago
Reply to  L’oiseau

The EBU at this point are turning in to the very same entity that a government are to their own country. Controlling, manipulative, underhanded and entitled. Governments dictate what and how you live your life, and the EBU are now dictating who you should support and what you can and can’t do when you want to take part in the celebrations for Eurovision.

Since Martin Osterdahl took over as head, there’s been nothing but scandal and dramas. I yearn for the days when Jon Ola Sand was the boss and everything went pretty smoothly.

Ricardo
Ricardo
3 months ago
Reply to  AMAAN STORM

Martin is awful, but he reports to others higher up. And those too have to go.

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago

Wtf with this EBU ban on flags? The contest just got over on Saturday but it’s still giving smh

Btzbtz
Btzbtz
4 months ago

It’s a eu election year so I understand why that flag would be considered political specifically in 2024. And I support the various lgbt flags ban. People dont know what they represent and you are here for your country.

L’oiseau
L’oiseau
4 months ago
Reply to  Btzbtz

That is a simple the most stupid thing… The EU flag is not a symbol of a political movement. The argument of elections is even more ridiculous. That would be the same as banning the American flag because of the Presidential elections. What that is that the EBU has evidently fallen victim of the dark fascist movements undermining democracy

Btzbtz
Btzbtz
4 months ago
Reply to  L’oiseau

I don’t know if that is already the case but I am in favour of banning the usa flag in eurovision because it is not a participating country. I only want to see a sea of flags from participating countries. Nothing else. We are here to celebrate our countries and our cultures. And the ebu isnt fascist, don’t be ridiculous.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Btzbtz

Yes, my dear, the EBU is not fascist. Just corrupt and incompetent.

L’oiseau
L’oiseau
4 months ago
Reply to  Btzbtz

First read carefully what people say and then react. Always a good lesson in life that I give you for free. I said that the “EBU has fallen victim to fascists” because all this censorship is typical of a dictatorship (could also be communist, granted). Censoring someone’s nails?…. That is insane! And now banning the EU? The most successful entity promoting peace and freedom in modern history? That is beyond any understanding… And yes, we are here to promote our culture and diversity and there is no better symbol than the European flag. Note also that the same flag is… Read more »

Btzbtz
Btzbtz
4 months ago
Reply to  L’oiseau

Iolanda could have worn any nails. She chose those because she wanted to make a geopolitical statement against a competing country. She and the portuguese delegation must own up to that. Our disagreement is really just based on what we want the show to be and what we value. I care about seeing european cultures (and a couple others) represented and the public feeling a sense of pride in their country and culture. I don’t hate the EU or LGBT, but thats not what the show is about for me and it’s weird to see artist or audience prefer to… Read more »

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 months ago

Since when EU is a country that has a participant representing it at Eurovision ? Does this man even know you can be an EBU member without being an EU member ?
If EU flag is allowed then there is no reason to not allow a chinese flag too.

Lorena
Lorena
4 months ago
Reply to  Nicolas

The EU is an overnational organisation with many of its countries participating. I don’t see why it cannot be allowed.

L’oiseau
L’oiseau
4 months ago
Reply to  Nicolas

No dummy, because the EU is an official symbol of all the member states many of whom participating.

Stian F
Stian F
4 months ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Chinese flags should be allowed though!!! If fans come all the way from China then they should be allowed to bring their flag. In previous years EBU have been so proud og their long distance fans and proudly displayed and allowed flags from South America and New Zealand as well in the contest…. the flag ban this year is ONLY to not allow a flag from ONE certain country. So there are double standards.

The EBU has definitely put the entire contest into disrepute this year…. no discussions about it.

Iamme
Iamme
4 months ago
Reply to  Nicolas

EU has not just a singer to represent it.

Lorena
Lorena
4 months ago
Reply to  Iamme

No, it has several.

Jessica Folcker
Jessica Folcker
4 months ago

Seriously Jonas is making me anti… everything! What a pain in the ar*e!

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago

You seem nice.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Jonas, you’re hurting the snowflake feelings. Be kinder!

Antti
Antti
4 months ago

I wish there was a federal sovereign state called the European Union in which everyone respects each other regardless of the region they come from, and the prejudice no longer exists nor and the patriotism causes division among people.

juliana
juliana
4 months ago

please bring back Jon Ola Sand

Arch
Arch
4 months ago
Reply to  juliana

Now it’s safe to say the contest has been on a sloping spiral downwards ever since Martin Österdahl stepped in.

Alex
Alex
4 months ago

I’m happy Nemo won because his song and performance were great but he needs to be careful what he wishes for. The only double standard of the weekend was Joost Klein being disqualified and Nemo not being disqualified – at the end of the day they both broke EBU rules.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

Nemo = they

Michu
Michu
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Did he clone himself?

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Michu

In English “they” is also singular. If you don’t know that go back to school, otherwise you’re being disrespectful.

Alex
Alex
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Oh shut up. He’s one person not two. You go along with the “they” garbage if you want, it just shows your lack of intelligence.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

Nemo IS one person, NOBOBY disagrees with that. Including Nemo.

Keep showing you ignorance, it actually helps.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

Bigot!

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

In the case of g3noc1de, silence is connivance. There is a moral obligation to oppose this crime.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 months ago

So here is my general opinion on flags at Eurovision: Either allow any type of flag, or ban them all. I was taught that a flag is a statement by itself – historically, flags were largely used for identification purposes, basically to tell if one is friend or foe. So either allow the full diversity of statements or shut them all down. (How very binary of me, I know.) However, if allowed, the number and size of flags permitted per person should be regulated for practical reasons. Evidently we don’t want to be obstructing views of the performers with the… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

ALL flags isn’t really an option, sadly.

Paul
Paul
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

What would happen though if someone brought in a dodgy flag? Probably nothing

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’d be weird if someone brought an ISIS flag, though

FunQ
FunQ
4 months ago

I believe the trafel of Martin Osterdahl as Executive Supervisor ends here. We need another executive supervisor from some other area than northern Europe.

FunQ
FunQ
4 months ago
Reply to  FunQ

Travel of course

Boreal
Boreal
4 months ago

JK Rowling we need you in Eurovision ASAP!!

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Boreal

She has been represented in Bambie Thugs “Adavra Kedavra, I seek to destroy” .
As far as I know “Adavra Kedavra” is a J.K. Rowling adaption of the original “Avada cadarba” which was known and used before Rowling.

Would have been consequent to not copy Rowling if they don’t like Rowling.

Melissa
Melissa
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

She did not come up with that term. Avada Kedavra is Aramaic and predates all of us by thousands of years.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Boreal

JK Rowling is evil

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Adaptation*

Alex
Alex
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Oh shut up

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

JK ROWLING IS EVIL

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

I doubt that the audience understood that she wants to portray J.K. Rowling, if that was her Intention (which I find unlikely as well)

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

She’s based

Tipi Tii
Tipi Tii
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Non binary flags are evil.

Adrian
Adrian
4 months ago

In a few weeks: “EBU bans Europe from Eurovision 2025”

Ben
Ben
4 months ago

Most people here are from the queer leftish or queer bubble and associated to it in some way. They want to have their own viewpoints and opinions being visible more than to unite which means neutrality and to agree to disagree. I am gay myself but I feel like I am one of very few gays who both know what political neutrality really means but also still watch eurovision. Continue the self rightous path your on guys, and eurovision will be more and more what you want it to be. But also more exclusive and either annoying or boring for… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

Gay pride is not an opinion.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

BUT IT’S ALLOWED TO SHOW GAY LOVE/PRIDE IN SONGS ? I’d feel more gay bliss if a male singer is singing a love song for another male, than a flag. Nothing sexualised like Olly Alexanders Performance that is doing nothing but promoting gay sterotypes (sex sex sex!). Something like a Benson Boone song that expressed real emotonal intimacy rather than the physical component of gay love. “… I found a man, my parents love. Hell come to stay tonight and I might have it ALL” It would also express that gays just feel the same as all. That’s more connectable.… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

I’ve often called for something as simple as pronouns in a gay love song. They have yet to arrive. Maybe next year.

Heurve
Heurve
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

“I’d feel more gay bliss if a male singer is singing a love song for another male”. Well, you would be surprised to learn that Jean-Claude Pacal did so in 1961 with “Nous les amoureux”. The public did not understand at the time because it was subtly done, but he did so (and won).

Karl
Karl
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

“I’m one of the good ones. Pick me! Pick me!”

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

I am not here to be picked because it doesn’t mean a lot to me to be “picked” by some strange looking avatars. I know that most people who are drawn to wiwibloggs will not like what I say. But it’s never bad to try to make people use their brain not only for their own promotion. Pick neutrality, even if you may dislike me. Because you don’t know who I am and what political thinhs I like. It’s not been subject of any of my comments here under this article, you see 😉

Karl
Karl
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

lol

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

Please, spare us.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Ricardo

No

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Ricardo

P.s.: Try to use arguementation rather than social exclusion. It would help your maturity.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

It’s you that is advocating for silencing certain groups. I’m all for creative freedom. I also didn’t find Olly Alexander’s staging tasteful, but I would never go against his creative freedom. You are complicit in heteronormalization. Trying to force normative behaviors on a community that does not accept them. This is reductive and limiting the creativity of these artists. People like Bambie Thug are a breath of fresh air in the stuffy environment that ESC can sometimes become.

CarlosM
CarlosM
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

We know who you are: one bitchy and bitter queen!

Alex
Alex
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

100% agree. LGB without the alphabet soup and bandwagon jumpers forever.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Alex

Poor Alex

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

classist Jonas

CarlosM
CarlosM
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

Lovely, a man with internalized homophobia!

Get off this site and learn to love yourself.

Jo.
Jo.
4 months ago

i remember seeing once a massive flag of Gremio, a brazilian football team 😀 :D, i think it was in 2015
they should allow all flags, and israel should just deal with it, and the ebu can use fake digital flags to cover the PL ones. fake flags, just like the fake cheers and eden’s fake smile

ATLANTIC
ATLANTIC
4 months ago

Allow any flag – what’s the big deal (all flags are political by default)! Or is it really that one is scared that one flag in particular will appear (hence the rules)?

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  ATLANTIC

So for example white supremcy flags and other flags can be waved? Or where do you draw the line?

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

I was gonna ask the same, what if someone feels like waving an ISIS or Taliban flag?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 months ago

When I read: “Executives of the European Union have criticised Eurovision for prohibiting their flag…” – Hang on. Do they mean The Flag of Europe? As in, the blue flag with a ring of 12 stars in the middle – that flag? It’s not exclusively the flag of the EU. It might be a “symbol” of the EU, but the Union actually failed to ratify it in their constitution in 2004. Quite a lot of member states have since declared it to be their EU flag, but it does not belong to the EU; it belongs to Europe. (I will… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Sedum can verify your facts!

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

SEDDIK

(How the hell do I turn OFF autocorrect?)

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

iPhone or iPad: Settings > General > Keyboard > Auto-Correction

Android: Settings app / Search bar > Language & Input > On-Screen Keyboard > G-Board > Text Correction > Auto-Correction

Other Device: Bambi Thug magic.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Done!

Thank you.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

@EBU I am willing to be your Flag Official at ESC 2025 for tickets and accommodation. Also I’d like to have a vote on disqualifications. Looking forward to working with you Martin.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago

I just remembered that the 1990 winner is literally about the Maastricht Treaty. Insieme 1992.

1992 being the official start of the EU.

How was THAT allowed, and what changed?

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

U.K. gave Toto zero points, of course.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Back in 1975 The Netherlands was allowed to sing about penises.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

As was Israel in 2011. Shocking.

Joey
Joey
4 months ago

So this isn’t done yet? I need to buy even more popcorn then.

PP77
PP77
4 months ago

Ban EU flag (because many countries was not in EU, many because some countries in EU don t want them. When all countries in Europe became EU member allow EU flag in hall.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago

The EU is a political institution that some like to be in, some don’t. So it’s an expression of a political opinion!! Also some states at eurovision/in the EBU are members of the EU, some are partners and some non of it. The EU flag can therefore also be a symbol for exclusion and exclusivity, especially for those people in countries who would like to be in the EU but can’t. Some may also percieve it as dominance. There are so many reasons to just have state flags, to be as neutral as possible. Some just want to be united… Read more »

Adrian
Adrian
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

All flags are a symbol for exclusion and exclusivity. The German flags is meant to reprensent Germany and the German people, not the Portuguese or France. What the heck are you talking about?

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Adrian

The national flags are the political common ground that can be most agreed on as they are state of the art and therefore most neutral ground. It’s also about NATIONS competing even if it’s a songwriters contest.
The UN is a reference for a common state of the art neutrality, therefore that’s what they are reffering to.
I don’t know if I can explain it in english that well as it’s not my mother language. But I think you can get what I am saying if you want to.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

Sorry, but when we are afraid of waving flags, something is very wrong.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Ricardo

I agree that anxiety isn’t a solution and should never be ground for any action. Respecting neutrality shouldn’t cause fear. So it’s possible to just let it be as it is without fear. We can show pride by singing about loving him/her/them even if it may be intetpreted as gay or queer from what the audience is reading our identity.

Lorena
Lorena
4 months ago

The decisions of EBU have me totally astonished. EU flag is a political flag? The European Union is a fact, it is a Union made up of 27 countries, most of them taking part in Eurovision.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Lorena

Yes, and people from EU member countries are also EU citizens. It is stupid to ban the Union flag, because they are interfering with the rights inherent to European citizenship.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago

May 9th was Europe Day.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Oh, they don’t care about that. It’s all about MaroccanOil money!

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago

The rules are only flags from states recognised by the UN. It’s not that the EU flag is banned in its own right. Still stupid, though.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Plus the rainbow flag. Sadly, the NB flag means zilch to most viewers, it could mean anything to them. Any meaning could be inferred from it, which is what worries the EBU. The EBU themselves probably didn’t even know what it meant, which is what they are wary of. It’s not necessarily that they have anything AGAINST it.

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Really, that’s the rule? UN flags? Umm ok. I thought at some point it was flags of countries that participated in Eurovision. Anyway, did the UN recognise the gay flag yet because I sure see that one a lot in Eurovision.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

The pride flag is the one exception they allow.

Milan
Milan
3 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Why?

Adrian
Adrian
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Several UN members don’t recgonise Israel as a State.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Adrian

Israel is a member of the UN

Orion
Orion
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Well Palestine ???? is recognised too by the UN, as an associated member

Ellen
Ellen
4 months ago

Is this serious? A feud over flags? Croatia really should have won for not having annoying contestants. And on top of that he broke his trophy right after winning how disrespectful. Shame on him

Alaska
Alaska
4 months ago
Reply to  Ellen

Nemo didn’t break the trophy on purpose.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Alaska

The trophy came from a Kinder Surprise Egg, it’s not Swarovski. The EBU will sellotape it back together for poor Nemo.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Ellen

I totally get what you are saying. Maybe that’s really a reason why Croatia should have won: It was quite neutral. I am just not sure if Nemo broke the trophy porposly. But of course if you are as a winner of such a contest you think ahead and make it part of your game, your show production. So it could have been purposly, but we won’t really know for sure.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

Did Nemo break the Gilmore Girls DVD set? Now that would be unforgivable.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Ellen

It’s a chinese made trophy. There are several former winners that broke theirs. I think that Emmelie de Forest said that hers was broken and had to be fixed.

Sun
Sun
4 months ago

A ray of light among so much darkness. Kat, the drummer of the group Megara, and Aiko show their love together on social networks. These girls have won ESC. CONGRATULATIONS I wish you to be happy together. SEES IT

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Sun

Downvotes come from people who thought they’d have shot with Aiko themselves.

I wish the new happy couple all the best!

Epicurean
Epicurean
4 months ago

European Song Contest, and they ban the European Union flag.

The EBU couldn’t get more messed up, yet here we are.

No problem waving Israel and Australia flag, very European countries after all…

Karl
Karl
4 months ago
Reply to  Epicurean

It’s the flag of Europe, not exclusively the EU flag

Sun
Sun
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

The flag of Europe and the flag of the EU is the same flag. There is no flag of Europe per se. It’s the same flag

Karl
Karl
4 months ago
Reply to  Sun

There is most definitely a flag of Europe. The EU uses the flag of Europe as their flag. That’s why even in Georgia (a country not in the EU) the flag of Europe is flown outside government buildings. Educate yourself.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

Yeah… that and the fact they are very eager to become an EU member state. Georgia is on the “official candidate” shortlist.

Karl
Karl
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

I can’t take you seriously when you keep defending israel the gen.c.idal entity at every turn. Bye.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

Bye!

Sun
Sun
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

How much ignorance!! The flag’s history dates back to 1955. The Council of Europe, which defends human rights and promotes European culture, chose it in its current design for its own use. Please don’t expose yourself and show so much ignorance.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Sun

I am going to explain this again! So the European flag was introduced by the Council of Europe in 1955. The Council of Europe is a human rights organisation with currently 46 member states, way more than the 27 the EU has. Basically every European country is a member. Russia and Belarus are suspended. The Council of Europe is not connected to the EU and probably best known for European Convention on Human Rights. Anyway, they introduced this flag with the intention that it would be a symbol for the entire European continent, all countries. The EC, predecessor of the… Read more »

Sun
Sun
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

In 1983, the European Parliament decided that the flag of the communities would be the same as that of the Council of Europe. In 1985 it was adopted by all EU leaders as the official emblem of the European Communities, which would eventually become the European Union. Furthermore, currently all European institutions have their own emblems.

PP77
PP77
4 months ago
Reply to  Epicurean

This is Eurovision song contest not EU song contest. EBU you are right for ban EU flag and flag for non participating countries and political organization.

MaggieMayhem
MaggieMayhem
4 months ago

Explains why they wanted to get rid of Joost. He is a walking European flag.

Dinosaur
Dinosaur
4 months ago

I am having flashbacks to Thursday, when Petra and Malin were looking for Germans, and they showed Belgian flags TWICE.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 months ago

the post Eurovision fallout just keeps going on. We’re not done yet.

Ari
Ari
4 months ago

No. The EU is not competing. This political organisation should have no say in this contest. The EBU is not to be blamed for enforcing the rules they had all along, only for selectively enforcing them. Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas has no business at Eurovision. Keep your hands away. By its own admission, the EBU claimed Eurovision is a competition of broadcasters not governments when defending Israel’s participation. The EU is no broadcaster. Get out.

Martinus
Martinus
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Neither is LGBT a broadcaster, your argument is invalid

Europe
Europe
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

EU actually unite people, EBU and Eurovision divide them in the last years.

PP77
PP77
4 months ago
Reply to  Europe

No , EU divide people , some countries wait EU to become members 20 + years.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  PP77

Because they don’t comply with the Copenhagen criteria. Go educate yourself, please.

Flo_o
Flo_o
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

I juste see the european flag as a material symbol of unity, no matter where you are…

And if you say so, let’s ban every countries flag. As a french I think Belgium’s flag is too political. (It’s a joke, but you see that’s a nonsense…)

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Flo_o

I’m a proud European just as much as a proud homosexual, if I can have the rainbow flag why not the Europe flag too? It’s part of my identity

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

As far as I know, the EBU rules state that only the flags of participating countries are allowed. Why have rules when you don’t enforce them? If anything, banning the EU flag as well things like the watermelon flag shows consistency. Yes, that goes for the rainbow flag as well. But of course they are too afraid of the backlash on that one. Now the he won, they are even riding on the flag they wouldn’t let Nemo bring. This is the problem. They’re spineless and they have no clue what they’re doing. Have your rules and stick with them… Read more »

Sun
Sun
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

The EU flag is the flag under which all the flags of the countries of Europe are kept and represents each and every one of them. Your comment doesn’t make any sense.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

EuroDarren, Da Da Da Da Da

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

Not going to lie…

I’d download it

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Flo_o

That wouldn’t be the worst idea, banning all the flags except for the flag parades. No more fan flags to block the performance recordings, no more drama why they let this one slide but not that one. But no worries, the drama will continue ad infinitum.

Johnny
Johnny
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Im proud of our EU flag. And we have every right to display it wherever we want in our union.

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Johnny

Not according to EBU rules

Sebas
Sebas
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

You truly have lost ur mind over the last few weeks.

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Sebas

He gets off on the downvotes.

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

You wish. I’m unbothered by morons who have nothing better to do than downvote the others. If it makes you happy, let it be my gift to you, petty little person.

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Bless your cotton socks x

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Sebas

Because I want existing rules to be enforced? Sure.

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Except when the country in question is Israel. Then the rules go out the window.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Don’t know about that. I mean, the EU should protect its citizens. And EU citizens have the right to freedom of expression. That right is protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU as well as the European Convention on Human Rights, the latter being ratified by every single country participating in Eurovision, also the ones not in the EU. And the freedom of expression would include the carrying of a certain flag.So I don’t think it’s wrong for the EU to stand up for its citizens in this matter.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

Yes but not in a show that is dedicated to be neutral!! They can express it in political events and everywhere else.

Ben
Ben
4 months ago
Reply to  Ari

Well said. Most people here don’t get what neutrality means. Sad but true!

Ari
Ari
4 months ago
Reply to  Ben

These people have no ability for discourse. It’s my own fault for responding. I really should know better by now.

Karl
Karl
4 months ago

Ruxandra, just a clarification. The flag is actually the flag of Europe. The EU uses the flag of Europe as their flag, but it is actually the flag of Europe, not exclusively the European Union flag. That’s why in Georgia you see the flag of Europe flying outside government buildings.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Karl

THANK YOU. There is someone else who knows. I mean, even the members of European Commission do it wrong.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago

I am really done explaining why this is not the *EU flag* but the *European flag*.

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

Yeah, but it is mostly associated with the EU as your many necessary explanations serve to prove. 99/100 viewers will see the “EU” flag.

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

I know. And that’s just too bad, because it was intended to be a symbol for the whole continent. But that’s why I keep bringing it up, so maybe one day just 98/100 viewers will call it the EU flag 😀

Seddik
Seddik
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

I mean this is where my 3 hobbies Eurovision, European law and flags really connect lol

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Seddik

All the more reason not to ban it.

Herr_SW5
Herr_SW5
4 months ago

The utter insanity of this season… I cannot even. A gold star to Nemo for smuggling his flag in!

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago

Attention seekers like him and Thug poisoned the show. He was chosen to represent Switzerland. That was his flag for the night. There is no country called Binary. Indeed there is no such thing. Its just the latest fad for attention seekers.

Pandaman
Pandaman
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

There’s also no country called Rainbow or Pride, yet the rainbow flag (fortunately) is allowed. Double standards, huh?

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Pandaman

Where was the rainbow flag?

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

???

Tino
Tino
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Does it hurt you or the way you live? No. Case closed then. Next.

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Tino

It isn’t my feelings that count. Makes no difference to me what some attention seeker wants to call himself. What matters going forward is what the EBU were trying to do. To maintain a non political competition between national broadcasters. The competition is bigger and more important than the latest fad

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

***EVERYONE** stop downvoting Patrick, he’s the silent majority!!!

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Yes . Like the millions who voted for Israel just because we thought her song and performance was best. We weren’t told what to do by a few uninformed attention seekers

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Or the actual majority who voted for Croatia?
Love how you think you’re informed. Every comment you post here shows that you aren’t.
So I dunno, pretty unsure about your “silent majority” claims considering how uninformed you are in other aspects.

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Am I incorrect that millions voted for Israel?

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

The answer (as it seems beyond tour cognitive ability) is no. I am not

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

*your

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Or the millions more that voted for Croatia?

Hmm you’re not getting this, maybe you go beyond being uninformed, maybe you’re actually just thick?

I wouldn’t recommend mansplaining Patrick, not without some brain cells first.

If you are the “silent majority” we are all fu cked. You don’t advertise it well.

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

So you keep leaping on my posts, presumably as you have nothing original to say yourself and are obviously a bit desperate for attention. Then because you have no coherent point you quickly turn to abuse. I cam see why Bambie Thicko and the Swiss guy resonated with you

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Last time I checked it was a comments section for anyone to post on.

I didn’t know it was for attention seeking. Must be why you try to be controversial. Is it attention seeking Patrick? Do you need a hug? Is that what’s wrong?

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Bruh, u gae and support Filastin. You’re messed up already #ChickensForKFC

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  BiCHOTA

I support humanity.

Not G3n0c1de.

Gays exist in Palestine too babycakes

BiCHOTA
BiCHOTA
3 months ago
Reply to  Darren

And they’re executed when authorities find out about their sexual orientation

Jonas
Jonas
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Please provide your data, including voting figures. Millions? Just once or 20 times each?

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

See you’re getting some downvoting of ur own

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Because I said you’re the “Silent Majority”, guess people don’t agree with me.

Maybe you’re not the silent majority? Oh god…the humanity.

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Everyone knew you were just being unpleasant. It’s all you seem to have. I feel.sad for.you.

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

I’m happy out Patrick.
Just not a fan of facism, I mean silent majorities.
I do feel sad for you though, you seem to be triggered by flags and letters, and other peoples genders.
I do hope you and the majority can come together, light your fire and feel your heart beat xo

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Oh join a club Darren. I’m sure there must he someone out there who can tolerate you. Somewhere. Surely. And as for racism is there anyone more intolerant and oppressive tha. The LGBXYZ alphabetti spaghetti lot? Thousands of them screaming abuse and death threats at a 20 year old girl outside her hotel room because she is Jewish. It don’t get much more facist than that

Patrick
Patrick
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

*facism

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Get some sleep Patrick, have some sweet dreams about your ethnically pure, white supremacy utopia, you’ll feel better.

Remember though it’s only a dream, don’t take it seriously.
Kisses darling! Say hi to the majority for me at the next rally. Not expecting a response though because they’re usually silent.

Stay fresh babes

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

For the silent majority, I leave the wise words of Lily Allen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFE6qQ3ySXE

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Ricardo

True words. How apt

Love Lily Allen

Ricardo
Ricardo
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

I will adopt it as a standard response to the biggots, fascists and homophobes that circulate here. The so-called silent majority.

Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Ricardo

I shall join you.

Darren
4 months ago

While I agree that the EU, Trans Pride and Non-Binary Pride flags should be allowed, I do think flags are the least of the EBU’s problems just now.

But definitely needs to be looked at.