Following Nemo's triumph at Eurovision 2024, Switzerland is set to welcome the glittering spectacle back to its birthplace. Basel, located on the Rhine river and bordering France and Germany, has been chosen as the host city for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, beating out Geneva in the final selection.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest, announced the decision on Friday, highlighting the event's return to its Swiss roots after almost 70 years. "The EBU is delighted that Basel has been chosen as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025," said Martin Osterdahl, the contest's executive supervisor. "The contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956, and it's fantastic to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later."
Since its humble beginnings in the 1950s, Eurovision has blossomed into a vibrant, global phenomenon known for its colourful performances and lighthearted spirit. The contest's annual event draws a massive audience of over 163 million viewers worldwide, as witnessed this year in Malmo, Sweden, where Nemo's poignant song "The Code" secured victory.
Hosting Eurovision also brings a significant boost to the host city's economy, with fans, artists, and delegations flocking in for the event, benefiting the hotel and tourism industries. Basel's St. Jakobshalle, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity of over 12,000 spectators, will play host to the event.
Opened in 1976, St. Jakobshalle boasts a prestigious history, hosting numerous events, including the Swiss Indoors men's tennis tournament (won a record 10 times by Roger Federer), world and European handball championships, world curling championships, and matches in the 1998 ice hockey world championships. The arena will also welcome Canadian singer Bryan Adams and a leg of the PDC European darts tour later this year.
The decision to host Eurovision in Basel was made jointly by the EBU and SRG, the Swiss broadcaster. Key factors considered in the selection process included the venue, transport links, sustainability, accommodation options, security, investment, overall event experience, and the level of support from the city. The entire process was overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Initially, five Swiss cities expressed interest in hosting Eurovision following Nemo's win. However, only four cities submitted formal bids by the June deadline. Bern, in conjunction with Nemo's hometown Biel, and Zurich, were eliminated from the race in mid-July, leaving Geneva and Basel as the final contenders.
The prospect of hosting Eurovision sparked a wave of enthusiasm, but also concerns about the financial demands and potential disruption associated with the event. Some cities even faced threats of local referendums aimed at blocking their bids. This reflects the Swiss public's direct influence on spending decisions, with many voicing concerns about the costs and logistical challenges of hosting such a large-scale event.
Concerns about the event's potential impact also extended to ideological grounds. The Federal Democratic Union, a minor right-wing political party in Switzerland, expressed their intention to push for referendums against public funding for Eurovision in any host city. The party's concerns stemmed from the perceived increasing presence of "Satanism and occultism" in the contest, citing Ireland's witchcraft-inspired 2024 entry by Bambie Thug as an example.
While public funds for large events remain a subject of debate in Switzerland, the government's recent commitment to contributing to the 2025 women's European football championships demonstrates the country's willingness to support major events.
Eurovision, a non-profit event primarily financed by contributions from participating EBU broadcasters, expects the host city to contribute to the costs, either financially or through "in-kind" support, including city branding, side events, security, and other logistical aspects. The four potential host cities had proposed packages ranging from 20 to 40 million Swiss francs ($23.5 million to $47 million) to cover their contributions.
With the decision made, Basel now gears up to welcome Eurovision 2025, adding another chapter to the event's rich history and showcasing the vibrant Swiss city to a global audience.