Eurovision 2025 bans Pride flags for performers

Competitors at Eurovision 2025 are now officially prohibited from displaying Pride flags and other non-national symbols at official events, according to new regulations introduced for the contest in Basel, Switzerland.

As per updated flag guidelines obtained by the Danish broadcaster DR, participants and their teams are allowed to bring only the official flag of their respective country to Eurovision venues and performances, ‘Q News’ reports.

Although the 2025 flag policy officially bans contestants from using the Pride flag, similar restrictions were already seen during last year’s contest.

Swiss winner Nemo, who identifies with they/them pronouns, disclosed that they had to secretly bring a non-binary flag past security during the flag parade at Eurovision 2024.

The updated rules seem to formalise what was previously applied on a case-by-case basis.

A spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest told PinkNews: “The official flag policies of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 have been developed by the Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR, with input from the EBU, especially regarding official ESC spaces, to provide clarity for audiences and delegations.”

The spokesperson explained that the goal was to “balance” the expression of identities by artists and audiences with having clear rules in official areas.

“In accordance with other international competitive events, the policy for participating broadcasters is that only one national flag can be displayed in official spaces,” they stated.

“Outside these official areas, the flag policy for delegations matches that for audiences.”

This year, contestants are permitted to use only the official flag of their nation, and only one such flag (provided by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR) will be allowed during the flag parade.

Participants violating the flag rules may face “consequences,” such as removal from events, flag confiscation, and additional sanctions under European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regulations.

When questioned by DR about specific possible consequences, the EBU chose not to elaborate.

While rules have become stricter for performers, fans will enjoy more freedom.

Audiences are permitted to bring any flag or banner to official Eurovision events—including Pride flags—provided they adhere to Swiss law and do not pose any safety or production risks.

This is a change from last year when fans had Pride flags taken away at Eurovision in Sweden, resulting in backlash from EU politicians and a re-evaluation of the flag policy.

This year’s revised policy emphasises that political messages should be avoided, yet it also acknowledges Switzerland’s “high value on freedom of expression” for the audience.

These new restrictions follow a history of flag-related controversies at Eurovision.

The Eurovision 2025 semi-finals are scheduled to take place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13 and 15, with the final occurring on May 17.