Like the Netherlands, Norway is waiting for the moment to commit to participating in the next Eurovision Song Contest. Norwegian broadcaster NRK first wants to hear from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) what improvements the organizer wants to make, Stig Carlsen, head of the Norwegian Eurovision Song Contest delegation, told Aftenposten.
“We cannot enter another year with this amount of conflict and protests.”
Norway intends to participate again in 2025, but changes are needed, Stig says. He added: “We have not yet confirmed our participation.” According to the Norwegians, the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the latest edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is important. “We cannot enter another year with so many conflicts and protests,” Steg said.
NRK has asked the EBU, among other things, to consider the participation of states in the middle of an armed conflict, such as Israel. “Maybe these noise-making countries should step aside temporarily,” Stig suggests.
On Thursday, AVROTROS and the non-profit organization reported that the Netherlands would not participate next year unless the EBU implements or agrees to a number of changes. Earlier this week, the European Broadcasting Union announced an independent investigation into various complaints about unsafe atmosphere during the event in Malmö.
The last edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, was an eventful one. For example, some did not agree to allow Israel to participate despite the war in Gaza, which led to demonstrations in Malmö, among other places. Some delegations did not always feel safe or noticed a tense atmosphere. Several countries have filed complaints with the European Broadcasting Union, and artists, including Norwegian band Gåte, have also considered withdrawing.