The European Broadcasting Union’s commitment to security at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, came at a hefty price. According to a report by Sveriges Radio, nearly €2 million was spent on security measures during the contest week.
The near €2 million spent on security for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö can be better understood when considering the pre-contest discussions surrounding safety.
Here’s why security was a major concern:
- Increased Hate Crimes: Malmö had witnessed a rise in hate crimes leading up to Eurovision.
- Middle East Tensions: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East further fueled tensions in the city.
- Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations: Daily protests in support of Palestine raised concerns about potential disruptions during the contest.
- Past Eurovision Incident: When Malmö last hosted Eurovision in 2013, there was a protest against Israel’s participation.
Fearing a repeat or escalation of such incidents, Malmö officials took a proactive approach:
- Heightened Police Presence: The deployment of 1,500 police officers, including support from neighboring countries, aimed to deter any potential threats.
- Focus on Safe Public Spaces: Organizers prioritized venues with established security measures to ensure a safe environment for visitors.
- Continuous Monitoring: As Eurovision neared, intelligence gathering was intensified to stay ahead of any potential issues.
The overall climate of heightened tensions necessitated a robust security response. This explains the significant resources allocated to safeguarding the event.
The independent review currently underway might offer insights into how the EBU and host cities can balance security needs with cost-effectiveness in the future, especially when dealing with complex geopolitical situations.
To address these concerns and ensure a safe environment for all participants, organizers significantly bolstered security measures. A total of 1,500 police officers patrolled Malmö during Eurovision week. These officers came from all over Sweden, with additional support provided by Denmark and Norway.
While police commander Per Engström maintains that the €2 million cost is relatively low compared to similar events, Sveriges Radio emphasizes that this operation ranks as one of the largest police deployments in Swedish history.
Despite the controversies and heightened security, Switzerland’s Nemo emerged victorious with their song “The Code,” securing a total of 591 points.
The significant spending on security raises questions for the EBU moving forward. Will they prioritize such a high level of security in future contests, especially if the specific threats remain unclear? Can they create a safe and inclusive environment without incurring such high costs? The independent review already underway might shed light on these issues, aiming to improve the Eurovision experience for all involved.
Source: Dagens Nyheter (DN)
