Basel or Geneva: Where should the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 take place?

Basel or Geneva: Where should the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 take place?

In the exciting search for the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, two attractive Swiss cities are in competition: Basel and Geneva. Both cities have their own strengths and expectations, so that the decision on Friday causes a lot of excitement among fans and decision -makers. This could become an unforgettable experience in particular for German fans who want an appearance in Basel, directly on the border. But Geneva also has some trumpet cards in hand that bring them into play.

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is a spectacular event in which participants from more than 35 countries fight for the title of the best music act. Every year the competition brings great creative diversity and a festive atmosphere with it, which are brought to the screen by more than 150 million viewers worldwide. In 2024, Switzerland was awarded the contract for organizing the next ESC through Nemo's song "The Code", but whether it will take place in Basel or Geneva remains uncertain.

The advantages of Basel

The city of Basel has applied under the motto "overcome borders", which fits well with the spirit of the ESC. Basel benefits from its geographical location, at the interface between Switzerland, Germany and France. International cooperation is very important here, which is also reflected in the everyday life of the residents. Legendary events such as the Carnival and the Art Basel Art Fair underline Basel's skills to successfully align major events.

The St. Jakobshalle, which is intended for the ESC, can hold up to 12,000 spectators, while the city also suggests a large public viewing for forms of up to 20,000 fans in the neighboring stadium. With its lively and yet internationally inspired atmosphere, Basel offers an exciting backdrop for the music festival.

Geneva: an international metropolis

Geneva, on the other hand, presents itself as the “most international city in Switzerland”, which is underlined by the high foreigner rate of a good 40 percent. As a seat of numerous UN organizations and international aid projects, the city has a central role in the diplomatic world. City President Christina Kitsos emphasizes that Geneva, as a hub for ideas, culture and peace, is ideal for aligning the ESC. In addition, the city is the home of the European Radio Union (EBU), which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025-another plus in the application Geneva.

The event could take place in the Palexpo, a exhibition center that offers space for at least 15,000 spectators and is easily accessible due to the proximity to the airport and an excellent connection to the rail network. A short train transfer brings visitors to the city in just seven minutes.

logistics and accessibility

The accessibility of the two locations plays a crucial role. Geneva impresses with the direct connection from Palexpo Airport to the exhibition hall, while applicants have to accept a longer arrival path to Basel, which results in the smaller, Basel-Mulhouse Airport in French territory. Visitors could need about 40 to 50 minutes to arrive there. From Zurich Airport, it is even an hour and a half to the center of Basel.

Despite this attractiveness, enthusiasm in Switzerland is rather moderate for the ESC. A survey of under 24,000 people showed that almost half of the respondents are skeptical about the event. Political conflicts, as at this year's ESC in Malmö, where protests took place due to the Gaza War, throw a shadow on anticipation and show how politically the event is interpreted. 

critics emphasize that political motives often influence the taste of music and votes. Some politicians, especially the right -wing conservative SVP, express concerns about the financial means that are to be provided for the event. In connection with a public loan, SVP President Marcel Dettling expressed that the money should be used for the unfortunate victims of the youngest storms than for this occasion. Another excitement comes from the national conservative EDU, which speaks against the use of loans in a public context, while in particular the representation of minorities in competition, such as the participation of the non-binary artist Nemo, is also the subject of criticism.