Douze points for controversy

13 May 2025

This week, Europe celebrates its annual flamboyant party with a splash of politics and nationalism – Eurovision 2025 is here. Before the fun kicks off, here's a rundown of this year's Eurovision drama:

At the centre of it all is Israel's participation, despite its war on Gaza, in which it has so far killed over 50,000 people in Gaza, including 17,000 children. More than 70 former Eurovision participants and winners have signed an open letter calling for Israel to be banned from the competition.

This isn't new. Last year, several performers supported Palestine on stage, despite Eurovision's strict ban on political messages. Some wore outfits inspired by the keffiyeh (like Portugal's act), while others used ancient Irish script to sneak in pro-Palestine slogans. The Palestinian flag is completely banned at Eurovision, which has only fuelled the backlash.

That Israel is allowed to participate is especially astonishing compared with how Russia was treated after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. It was quickly kicked out of the contest, and its state broadcasters were suspended from the organising European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

What's behind Israel's participation? It may have something to do with Eurovision's main sponsor, Moroccanoil, which isn't actually Moroccan, but an Israeli company. Since becoming a major sponsor in 2019, Moroccanoil has contributed millions of euros annually to the EBU, which has likely helped keep Israel in the competition, even as pressure builds to kick them out.

Now, with the 2025 contest about to begin, Israel will go ahead with its performance. But if last year is anything to go by, we can expect boos from the crowd and chants of "Free Palestine" when their act takes the stage.

In other Eurovision news, Klavdia, Greece's representative this year, will be performing Asteromáta. Her song is inspired by her family's history as Pontic Greek refugees. It references the Pontic genocide, where the Ottoman government killed 350,000 people between 1914 and 1923 – an event the Turkish government continues to deny.

Meanwhile, over in eastern Europe, Moldova pulled out of this year's contest, likely because it just got too expensive. While they haven't criticised Eurovision directly, the move questions whether the contest is still accessible to smaller or less well-off countries.

As for Georgia, this year's act, Mariam Shengelia, isn't likely to get much support from home. She's appeared in pro-government promotional material at a time when thousands of Georgians, especially young people, are protesting against that very same government for its anti-Europe decisions.

And then there's the most bizarre twist of all – this year's Eurovision has effectively banned pride flags for performers on stage. The EBU has ruled that only national flags will be allowed on stage and in the green room to keep things "neutral" and avoid political messages. Whether you're new to Eurovision or a die-hard fan, you'll know the contest is nicknamed the "gay Olympics", where pride flags have always been a big part of it.

Last year's winner, Nemo, a non-binary artist who proudly waved their non-binary flag throughout their Eurovision journey, has joined other artists and national broadcasters in speaking out against the decision and calling it a step backwards.

As many as 37 countries will participate in Basel, Switzerland, following Nemo's win last year. The first semi-final is on 13 May, the second on 15 May, and the grand final follows on 17 May.