Image Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued a new code of conduct for backstage staff and performers following the controversial Eurovision 2024 performance. The incident involved Dutch contestant Joost Klein, who was disqualified from the contest after allegedly making a threatening movement towards a female camera operator. The EBU suspended Klein from rehearsals and disqualified him from participating in the Grand Final. Klein has apologized, but the new code of conduct will be enforced for all Eurovision participants.
For Eurovision 2025, a Welfare Producer will be available to look after artists and staff. The EBU has optimized the rehearsal schedule to provide more downtime for artists and introduced ‘no-filming zones’, which stem from the issues with Klein last year. 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 include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and an optimized rehearsal schedule to allow artists plenty of time to rest and enjoy the host city. These strategic changes have been approved by the event’s governing board, the ESC Reference Group, following a comprehensive review of events in Malmö. Consultations with all 37 participating broadcasters and other key stakeholders were conducted to ensure the continued success of the Eurovision Song Contest.
