The European Commission has expressed anger over a ban on EU flags at the Eurovision Song Contest and demands explanations. #EuropeNews

The European Commission has expressed anger over a ban on EU flags at the Eurovision Song Contest and demands explanations.

The allegations, made by several spectators who attended the Grand Final on Saturday and were told off for carrying the flags, quickly turned viral and prompted a stern rebuke from Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas.

“Eurovision is first and foremost a celebration of European spirit, of our European diversity and talent. The EU flag is a symbol of this,” Schinas said on X on Saturday evening.

“Less than a month to the European elections, there should be no obstacles, big or small, to celebrating what unites all Europeans.”

    • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
      41·
      6 months ago

      ISRAEL

      Ah, fair enough. And speaking of Moroccan Oil, looking at Wikipedia, Morocco has apparently also competed, and also isn’t in the Council of Europe or European Union:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest

      Israel’s first win in 1978 proved controversial for Arab states broadcasting the contest which would typically cut to advertisements when Israel performed due to a lack of recognition of the country, and when it became apparent Israel would win many of these broadcasters cut the feed before the end of the voting.[316][317][318] Arab states which are eligible to compete have declined to participate due to Israel’s presence, with Morocco the only Arab state to have entered Eurovision, competing for the first, and as of 2023 the only time, in 1980 when Israel was absent.[319][320]

      • mondoman712@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        Moroccanoil is an israeli company. The connection to Morocco is that they co-opted a Moroccan product and sell it under their name. There’s no reason to believe that their sponsorship would influence a potential Moroccan entrant.

      • SuperIce@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        Really the only requirement for Eurovision is to be part of the European Broadcasting Union, which extends out of Europe. Hence the inclusion of countries like Israel, Azerbaijan, and even Australia.

        • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          6 months ago

          Australia is an associated member, same status as the US, any ITU member can be one.

          They’re special-cased for the contest because they’ve been watching the thing religiously for decades. And I’m deeply disappointed that they never flipped their vote presenter upside-down.