Dutch broadcaster to challenge Eurovision ban on pride flags

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced it will formally object to a new rule introduced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), that bans all flags except national ones during official segments of the Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster confirmed its decision following a meeting with LGBTQ+ rights group COC, according to AD.

According to the EBU’s updated policy for the 2025 contest, only national flags will be allowed in official contest zones, including the stage and the Green Room, where participants await the results. The restriction affects a range of flags, including rainbow (LGBTQ+), Palestinian, and European Union flags.

AVROTROS explained that the EBU implemented the ban to preserve Eurovision as a "non-political event." The broadcaster noted that under the policy, only the performing country’s flag may be displayed during formal moments, such as participant introductions.

Despite this, AVROTROS and COC argue that pride flags should not be subject to the same restrictions, stressing that they are not political symbols. "We want to see whether we can get things moving. We hope that the EBU is open to that," AVROTROS said in a statement.

COC called the conversation with AVROTROS "pleasant and constructive" and voiced strong support for the broadcaster’s decision to challenge the rule. "Especially in times like these, when human rights for the LGBTQ+ community are under pressure, it sends the wrong message to ban these flags at the Song Contest," the organization reportedly said.

Initially, AVROTROS had expressed understanding of the EBU’s blanket flag ban. However, the broadcaster clarified that the decision to file an official objection was not solely prompted by its meeting with COC. "We had already expressed regret over the exclusion of flags from the rainbow community," AVROTROS stated.