The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will be implemeting a Code of Conduct and a Duty of Care Protocol at the Eurovision Song Contest in order to safeguard the well being of the competing acts and to ensure a positive experience for both the artists and delegations.

In the aftermath of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmo and the incidents that afflicted the event the EBU will be introducing several measures to ensure that the competing artists in the contest are safeguarded and protected. The EBU is all set to make the Eurovision Song Contest a positive experience for the competing artists, delegations and all those involved in the event.

Journalists and fan media portals covering the event will have to abide by the Code of Conduct in order to gain an accreditation for the event.

The EBU will be publishing the Code of Conduct and the Duty Of Care Protocol documents on Wednesday 11 December.

These new measures will be implemented at the forthcoming Eurovsion Song Contest 2025 in Basel:

• The EBU is introducing a new Code of Conduct and Duty of Care Protocol to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all involved in the event
• For the first time, agreeing to abide by the Code of Conduct will be a requirement for accreditation to the event, signaling the EBU’s commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive environment
• The Duty of Care Protocol emphasizes the shared responsibility of the EBU, Host Broadcaster, and Participating Broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress.
• New measures at the 2025 ESC in Basel include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and optimized rehearsal schedules to ensure artists have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the Host City.
• The EBU will continue to uphold the ESC values of inclusivity and celebrating diversity by commissioning a Eurovision Pledge to emphasize the commitment to community, respect, and equality.

The EBU’s press release reads:

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) continues to grow as the world’s largest and most celebrated entertainment show, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers globally.

As part of its ongoing commitment to creating the best possible experience for all involved, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is pleased to announce a series of enhancements aimed at safeguarding participant wellbeing, ensuring positive experiences for artists and delegations, and promoting the core values of community, respect, and inclusion.

The strategic changes have been approved by the event’s governing board, the ESC Reference Group following a comprehensive review of the events in Malmö last May and consultations with all 37 participating broadcasters and other key stakeholders to ensure the continued success and growth of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The EBU will be introducing a new Code of Conduct and a Duty of Care Protocol in order to focus on wellbeing and support:

The EBU is making improvements in communication, wellbeing, and the positive experience of everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest.

These include the introduction of a new Code of Conduct and Duty of Care Protocol, based on the existing rules and contracts, which will ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all those involved in the event.

For the first time, agreeing to abide by the Code of Conduct will be a requirement for accreditation to the event, signaling the EBU’s commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for everyone.

Both documents will be published on Wednesday 11 December on eurovision.tv

The Code of Conduct mandates adherence to local laws, prohibits instrumentalization of the Contest and outlines expectations for professional behaviour, fair competition, and responsible communication.

The Duty of Care Protocol is focused on ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of all participating artists.

It emphasizes the shared responsibility of the EBU, Host Broadcaster, and Participating Broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress. The Protocol provides guidelines for Heads of Delegations to support artists effectively, minimize risks, and promote a positive experience throughout their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The EBU will be also introducing changes to particpant and production experience:

In a further effort to better support participants, the EBU is implementing new measures at the 2025 ESC in Basel. These include:

• No filming zones within key artist areas to provide participants with private spaces to prepare for their performances.
• More closed-door rehearsals to help artists focus on their performances without distractions.
• Optimized rehearsal schedules to ensure artists have plenty of time to rest and to enjoy the Host City
• Introduction of a Welfare Producer to be a key point of contact for artists and staff to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

These changes are designed to ensure that artists are confident on stage before performing to media and audiences.

Martin Green (ESC Director) says:

In 2024, 163 million viewers saw the ESC on TV. Our digital platforms also experienced exponential growth. These successes reinforce the need to continually adapt the show’s structure to meet the evolving demands of both participants and audiences. We are United by Music – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion. We believe the changes we’re making for Basel 2025 make the Eurovision Song Contest the best experience it can be for our participants, our staff, and our audiences.

Bakel Walden ( ESC Reference Group Chair) says:

These new measures, which will be implemented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, are a first, important step to ensure the successful and responsible development of this iconic music event.

On behalf of all participating artists, delegations, and staff members, the Reference Group remains firmly committed to championing a positive, creative, and safe Eurovision Song Contest in an ever-changing global landscape.

Source: EBU
Photo credit: EBU