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Eurovision 2025 heads to Basel, Switzerland.

"We’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time."

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Eurovision 2025 will take place in Basel, Switzerland next May.

The cultural capital of Switzerland was selected by Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the European Broadcasting Union, over Geneva.

The bid process examined facilities at the St. Jakobshalle venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists from around the world. St. Jakobshalle, located on a trinational border triangle between Switzerland, Germany and France, boasts a total of eleven halls under one roof with a capacity for 12,400 people.

The Grand Final will take place on Saturday 17 May (EU) with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May.

It follows the 2024 win by Nemo with “The Code” in Malmö, Sweden.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor said: ”The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.

“Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.

“With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s exceptional St.Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.

“Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.

“Together with Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage.’

Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel said: “It is a great honour for Basel to be able to host the world’s biggest live music event! We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to present Basel to the world as a cosmopolitan city of culture in the heart of Europe. As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!”

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, SRG SSR’s Joint Executive Producers of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, added: “We were impressed by the quality of the cities’ applications! All 4 cities, and especially Geneva and Basel in the final round, fought for the title of “Host City” with creative approaches and a very constructive approach. Such commitment is by no means a matter of course. Our thanks therefore go to all the cities that applied. We look forward to working with you to make the ESC an unforgettable experience for the whole population.”

SBS is yet to confirm Australia’s return to Eurovision.

3 Responses

    1. Well no it shouldn’t Croatia did not win …….. ok before someone adds in that Eurovision should be held in Australia …. there would be two things wrong with that sentence …. A) Australia did not win and B) Australia can never hold eurovision because of the time difference with the rest of the countries involved …..

  2. I anticipated a close contest between Basel and Geneva, though I’m pleased Eurovision is heading to Basel. Renowned as both a cultural and growing diplomatic hub, Basel now stands as a worthy counterpart to Geneva’s long-standing diplomatic significance.

    The decision to opt for Basel could be seen as recognition of its growing importance or perhaps as a nod of respect to its rising stature in the global arena.

    I think Australia should return to Eurovision. While Electric Fields’ cross-cultural performance was impressive, and I wished for their greater success, it might be a good idea to consider an act that would resonate more with European audiences, something akin to Confidence Man.

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