The decision to ban EU flags during the Eurovision final on Saturday has sparked fury from EU chiefs, who have dubbed the decision a gift to the "enemies of Europe".
EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas described the decision from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as "mind-blowing", while a spokesperson for Von der Leyen said it is "certainly regrettable".
Schinas said: "It’s mind-blowing, what the EBU did."
Speaking to Politico, he added: "I cannot find the logical explanation for why the EBU is doing this. And what does this serve?”
The decision to ban EU flags during the Eurovision final on Saturday has sparked fury from EU chiefs, who have dubbed the decision a gift to the "enemies of Europe"
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"Less than a month from the European elections, who wins from banning the EU flag from Eurovision?
"Only the Euroskeptics and the enemies of Europe."
A spokesperson for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added: “It is certainly regrettable to ban the flag that is the flag of all the EU members and other Council of Europe members taking part in the contest and often flies alongside national flags on public buildings.”
A spokesperson for the EBU said the flag policy had not changed from last year, saying fans were only permitted to bring flags of "participating countries and the rainbow/pride flags."
But footage from last year’s event shows large numbers of EU flags in the audience.
Schinas promised to raise the issue with the EBU, saying: "I will talk to them. I won’t let this pass."
He added: "I will seek explanations and clarifications.”
Hitting out at the decision on social media, he said: "Eurovision is first and foremost a celebration of European spirit, of our European diversity and talent.
"The EU flag is a symbol of this.
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"Less than a month to the European elections, there should be no obstacles, big or small, to celebrating what unites all Europeans."
The Eurovision final, which took place on Saturday, was coloured by political controversy surrounding conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
