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European Commission asks EBU for clarification on banning EU flag

by AI | 14.May 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission regrets that the EU flag was not welcome at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is addressing this issue with the organizers.

The Eurovision Song Contest banned the blue and yellow European flag this year. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa

BRUSSELS – The European Commission is asking the EBU for an explanation regarding the exclusion of the European flag at the Eurovision Song Contest. It was “certainly completely regrettable” and “there was no reason for it,” according to the EU’s executive body.

Responsible European Commissioner Margaritis Schinas already expressed his anger Saturday evening following reports that visitors to the festival in Malmö were not allowed to bring in the blue flag with the twelve yellow stars. Schinas will contact the EBU on Monday. He will check if the broadcasting union receives EU subsidies and will also address that issue.

The EBU states that only flags of participating countries and the rainbow flag are allowed at the festival. But the European flag was always welcome according to the commission.

The strict policy against overly political statements and the poor communication about, for example, the disqualification of the Dutchman Joost Klein, has already drawn a lot of criticism to the organization over the past few days.

(May 13, 2024)