Norway, like the Netherlands, is waiting for the time being to confirm its participation in the next Eurovision Song Contest. Stig Karlsen, head of the Norwegian delegation, first wants to hear what improvements the organiser of the Song Contest wants to implement.
Karlsen told the newspaper Aftenposten that Norway intends to participate again in 2025, but that changes are needed. “We have not yet confirmed our participation,” he said. According to the Norwegians, the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the last edition of the Song Contest is important. “We cannot go into another year with so many conflicts and protests,” Karlsen said.
The Norwegian broadcaster NRK has asked the organiser of the Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to consider the participation of countries that are in the middle of an armed conflict, such as Israel. “Perhaps such countries that cause noise should temporarily step aside,” Karlsen suggested.
On Thursday, AVROTROS and the NPO announced that the Netherlands will only participate next year if the EBU implements or promises a number of changes. Earlier this week, the European broadcasting association announced an independent investigation into various complaints about an 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 people did not agree that Israel was allowed to participate despite the war in Gaza, which led to demonstrations in Malmö.
Some delegations did not always feel safe or noticed a tense atmosphere. Several countries filed complaints with the EBU and artists, including the Norwegian band Gate, also considered withdrawing.
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