City introduces 24/7 hotline and enhanced security measures to ensure safety during upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, focusing on minority protection.
"Hatred towards minorities, transphobia, sexual harassment and other forms of violence have no place at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel."
"We are in contact with the Federal Intelligence Service."
Basel is transforming into an impenetrable fortress of inclusivity for Eurovision 2025. The city is not merely hosting a music contest; it is aggressively establishing a sanctuary against hate. In a decisive move to protect the diverse crowds descending on the Rhine, officials have unveiled a robust security apparatus designed to crush intolerance before it can take root. The mandate is clear and uncompromising: the streets of Basel will remain safe for everyone, regardless of identity.
Stephanie Eymann, Security Director of Basel City, delivered a stern warning to potential agitators in an interview with SonntagsBlick. "Hatred towards minorities, transphobia, sexual harassment and other forms of violence have no place at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel," Eymann declared. This is not standard protocol; it is a direct response to the specific needs of the Eurovision community. By deploying specialized "contact persons" directly onto the streets, the city ensures that the vibrant celebration of culture is shielded by a visible, active protective force.
In a significant escalation of safety resources, Basel is launching a dedicated 24/7 hotline, ensuring that help is never more than a phone call away. This initiative represents a critical layer of the city's defense strategy, operating round-the-clock to provide immediate assistance to anyone feeling threatened or unsafe. The urgency of this measure underscores the city's commitment to rapid response times and constant vigilance.
Crucially, this project is not a solo endeavor by local police. It involves the heavy weight of the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), signaling that the Swiss government views the safety of Eurovision attendees as a national priority. By integrating federal expertise with local enforcement, Basel is creating a seamless safety net. This collaboration ensures that reports of abuse or harassment are handled with the highest level of professional care and institutional authority, leaving no gaps for offenders to exploit.
The threat of drink spiking is being met with renewed scrutiny as authorities scramble to upgrade their detection capabilities. Acknowledging that previous measures were insufficient, officials are aggressively seeking superior testing products. Experience from the summers of 2022 and 2023 along the Rhine revealed that earlier test strips did not meet the rigorous standards required for an event of this magnitude. The search is now on for a fail-safe solution to protect revelers from chemical tampering.
While technology is upgraded, human presence remains the primary deterrent. Staff will flood the streets, acting as immediate support for anyone in distress. This physical surge of personnel is designed to deter predatory behavior in real-time. The city is confronting the reality of nightlife risks head-on, refusing to rely on outdated tools or passive policing. The goal is absolute clarity: anyone attempting to compromise the safety of a drink or a person will face a coordinated and modernized security response.
Basel is looking beyond its borders to secure its streets, importing tactical knowledge directly from Sweden. In a strategic exchange of intelligence, police officers from Malmö—hosts of last year's contest—have already visited Basel to brief local forces. This cross-border collaboration allows Swiss authorities to anticipate challenges and adapt proven strategies, ensuring that mistakes are not repeated and successes are replicated.
While Eymann confirms there are currently "no specific indications of a terrorist threat," complacency is not an option. The geopolitical situation remains volatile, and assessments are continuous. "We are in contact with the Federal Intelligence Service," Eymann stated, highlighting the high-level surveillance shielding the event. From local street patrols to federal intelligence analysts, the security umbrella over Basel is comprehensive. As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 begins, Switzerland is demonstrating that it is fully prepared to host the world with both open arms and a watchful eye.