The battle for Eurovision 2025: Basel wins final selection

In recent weeks, since the shortlist was announced on 19 July, the shortlisted cities of Geneva and Basel have had the opportunity to improve their bids and provide additional information. The ESC core team revisited both cities to evaluate in detail the proposed venues for the main and side events.

An extensive evaluation catalogue was used for this purpose. To ensure the transparency, objectivity and accuracy of the evaluations, the process was accompanied by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), an independent auditing and consulting firm, which was involved in the creation of the catalogue and the evaluation process itself. This approach ensured maximum objectivity and traceability of the results.

Best Eurovision 2025 entry

The aim of the second round was to re-evaluate, on the basis of the new information and the results obtained, the two best bids selected in the previous round and to identify the most attractive one to host the ESC in Switzerland. The evaluation took into account various aspects: the suitability of the pavilion for the specific requirements of the exhibition, the creative ideas for accompanying events, the availability of financial resources, the cultural offer as well as the sustainability and safety concepts developed.

In addition, the potential risks associated with the preparation and staging of the exhibition were analysed and expectations were defined as to what added value these events could bring to Switzerland, especially in the two border cities of Geneva and Basel. In total, around 100 different criteria were used for the evaluation, allowing each bid to be analysed in detail and the best bid to be selected.

The nomination of Basel to host the finals

This week, SRG SSR's core Eurovision project team presented its recommendations for the selection of the host city for the upcoming contest to the steering committee. On the evening of 29 August, the committee, having carefully considered all the proposed options, decided to support this recommendation. On the morning of 30 August, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is responsible for hosting Eurovision, officially approved the choice. The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will thus take place in Basel. The final, which will be the culmination of the whole event, is scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025. This important decision was announced on Friday 30 August, at 10 am on the official Eurovision channels.

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, co-executive producers of Eurovision 2025, shared their impressions: «We were amazed by the high level of entries from the cities! Each of the four cities showed strengths, and especially Basel and Geneva, who showed real creativity and constructive approach in the final round to compete for the right to be the host city. Such commitment and enthusiasm does not go unnoticed and is not something that can be taken for granted. We therefore extend our sincere thanks to all the cities that applied, and special congratulations to Basel! We look forward to working together to make Eurovision an unforgettable event for all residents.»