Eurovision 2024: Margaritis Schinas has sent an official letter to the EBU

Following the issue of the absence of the European Union flag from the Eurovision final, Margaritis Schinas sent a letter of protest to the European Broadcasting Union.

In his statements to Politico newspaper He clearly expressed his annoyance at the fact that “I’m not going to let it go” and that he was going to ask for an explanation. As can be seen in the letter, in a critical tone, he states that this action has overshadowed what was intended to be a happy occasion for the peoples of Europe, namely Eurovision, and asks for an explanation for the incident.

It is noteworthy that a representative of the European Broadcasting Union told Politico newspaper that Eurovision policy this year was the same as before, but in a video from Eurovision 2023, Argues that there are European Union flags.

Eurovision 2024: Margaritis Schina’s message to the EBU

“For nearly seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has embodied the values ​​of diversity and cultural exchange – values ​​shared and supported by the European Union. As Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible, among other things, for cultural policy, I was saddened to learn of the policy the EBU implemented this year prohibiting participants from flying the EU flag “During the final of the Eurovision Song Contest,” he initially stated in his message.

“Such actions have cast a pall over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for people across Europe and the world to come together to celebrate. Less than a month before the European elections and two periods of geopolitical turmoil, with the EU targeted by malevolent and authoritarian actors, The European Broadcasting Union’s decision contributed to distorting the symbol that unites all Europeans“, continuous.

“This also stands in contrast to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the OIC allowed EU flags to be displayed in stadiums and award ceremonies. The inconsistency in the EBU’s position has me and many of your millions of viewers wondering what the purpose of the Eurovision Song Contest is and for whom.” I would like to ask you to explain the reasons behind this decision and the responsibility you bear. “I expect to see the values ​​of peace, tolerance and inclusion more respected in the future.”