To stave off any threats of chemical, biological or explosive attacks, the Swiss Army will be used during 2025’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.
Eurovision chiefs made promises of this year’s show being “all about surprises” but there are some they’re not willing to risk. From May 13th to 17th, the contest will be held in Basel-Stadt, and for those five days, the city will be focusing solely on it. With it being the largest international music competition, having more than 160 million television watchers worldwide, they’re expecting about half a million tourists from around Europe.
Stefan Hofer, spokesperson for the Swiss Army said, “The army will provide services in favor of the canton of Basel-Stadt.” For this to happen, there are certain conditions that must be met to obtain military assistance. “Basically, the reason must be for national or international importance or of public interest. To this end, the occasion cannot be tackled independently with the civilian authorities’ own funds.” Meaning, the civil authorities’ funds have been exhausted at a time of such occasions: the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Swiss Army will be providing-
- ABC (Atomic [nuclear], Biological, Chemical) decontamination: If hazardous substances within the ABC categories occur, they are rendered harmless or removed.
- Analysis and advice on the removal and diffusion of any bombs.
- Preventive scanning of the buildings and facilities, checking for any dangers or threats.
- Ambulances.
The services are already included in the basic training regiment of the army, therefore it won’t require any money from Basel other than that of the costs of food, accommodation, or fuel.
In addition to the army, the Basel-Stadt Cantonal Police will be deployed with support from all over Switzerland.
Northwestern Switzerland is sending 243 police officers, Western Switzerland, 191, Eastern Switzerland, 90, and Central Switzerland, 68. The Zurich City Police is also sending 60 forces, and the canton of Ticino, 30.
The canton of Zurich isn’t sending any forces due to the police being needed there during the event, since the city will also be highly affected by the contest.
Fedpol also offered resources to take over investigations for any federal criminal offenses by coordinating the exchange with international federal authorities in the event of a crisis. “At the current time, the necessary precautions are taken to be able to react efficiently in a special/extraordinary situation.”
The Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) is the agency responsible for assessing threats surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest. The large teams works together in advance as well as during the event.
The police have also provided security for the ESC venues. During the five days, Basel is enforcing additional safety regulations. Anyone who enters will have to go through a security check like you’d experience at an airport. There will also be “awareness teams” where anyone who feels uncomfortable, or is harassed, can go for help.
They are also closing the area around St. Jakobshalle and adding anti-terror locking units on the roads. More than 300 units by German company, “Silbitz Guss,” has been sold to Switzerland so far. With dozens having been bought in order to secure holding the competition in Basel.
Even without Eurovision, the general threat situation in Switzerland has been increasing, with a focus on jihadist-inspired individuals. In accordance with “Safety Switzerland,” it’s reported that large crowds of people create potential targets of extremist acts of violence.
This year, Zoë Më follows Nemo in representing Switzerland with her song, “Voyage.”
What do you think about Switzerland’s security measures towards Eurovision this year? Let us know in the comments below!
