Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros plans to file a formal objection to the decision to ban pride flags from official areas of the Eurovision Song Contest, according to LGBT+ rights group COC.

Earlier this week, it emerged that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has introduced new rules requiring participants display only the official flag of the country they represent on stage and in backstage spaces such as the green room.

COC said on Thursday it had held talks with the broadcaster, and both parties agreed the pride flag does not constitute a political statement but an expression of identity.

“AvroTros said it considers it important that everyone at the song festival has the freedom to express themselves, whatever their sexual orientation, gender identity or background,” COC stated. “The broadcaster regrets the fact that flags from the rainbow community fall under the EBU song festival ban.”

The EBU previously attempted to ban pride flags in 2016, but reversed its decision following pressure from various parties, including COC.

Last year, when the show was held in Sweden, several fans had their pride flags confiscated at the entrance, and EU politicians criticised the ban on the EU flag being waved in the audience.

The backlash prompted the EBU to apologise and announce it would revise its flag policy ahead of the 2025 competition.

According to Danish media company DR.DK, which obtained the new policy, audience members will however now be allowed to bring any flag into the arena, as long as it does not contravene Swiss law.

This means that both pride flags and flags of non-participating countries – including the Palestinian flag – will be permitted in the audience. The latter was banned last year, when Israel’s participation sparked heated debate amid the war in the Middle East.

The Eurovision Song Contest takes place from May 13 with the final on Saturday May 17 in Basel. Claude is representing the Netherlands.

Dutch News has asked the EBU for comment.