DDPS and other federal departments to provide security support for Eurovision Song Contest in Basel
Bern, 05.05.2025 — From 11 to 17 May, Basel will host the Eurovision Song Contest, a major event that will see extensive support from various agencies of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, the Federal Office of Police, and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. These agencies will work alongside the organisers and cantonal authorities to ensure the security of the event, with the Confederation making a crucial contribution to public safety.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is a major event of international importance. Several federal agencies will be involved in providing security.
Swiss Armed Forces: contributing 40 soldiers
The Swiss Armed Forces will deploy approximately 40 conscript and career soldiers, collectively contributing around 350 service days. Their tasks will include support in areas such as NBC decontamination, advice and analysis for explosive ordnance disposal, and assistance in the preventive search of critical infrastructure. These activities will be carried out in accordance with the Ordinance on Support for Civilian or Off-duty Activities with Military Resources (MCSO).
National Cyber Security Centre: coordinating cyberdefence
Hosting major events of international importance in Switzerland poses specific challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Critical infrastructures are particularly exposed during such events and require special protection. For the ESC, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will help organise local security and coordinate cyberdefence. The Cyber Situation Network, consisting of the NCSC and other partners, will be active throughout the period from 11 to 17 May. In order to identify potential risks at an early stage, the NCSC has worked with the host cities and the host broadcaster to conduct a comprehensive cyber risk analysis, taking into account threat scenarios.
In the event of a cyber incident, the NCSC will alert critical infrastructure operators, provide solutions and support incident response efforts. These measures will help ensure optimal cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure during the event.
Federal Intelligence Service: providing situation assessments and intelligence sharing
The Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) will collaborate closely with the relevant authorities and partners both before and during the event to conduct a thorough assessment of the threat situation. The FIS is responsible for the early detection of threats to Switzerland’s internal and external security. It will collect, analyse and evaluate security-related information for the ESC, assist security authorities in assessing the situation, and provide an intelligence network through its National Intelligence Centre. This will ensure that those responsible for the ESC’s security have a solid foundation for decision-making.
Federal Office for Civil Protection: supporting radio communications and radioactivity measurements
The Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) will monitor the quality and availability of radio communications in the Basel area to ensure that communication channels function reliably and meet requirements in the event of an incident. Active channels will also be monitored in real time to provide the most accurate picture possible of user traffic. The FOCP will analyse the data collected in order to derive optimisation measures.
In addition, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which is part of the FOCP, will monitor radioactivity over a large area using automatic measuring probes. With its Electronic Situation Display platform, the NEOC will keep the partners involved informed of the situation at all times.
Federal Office for Police: providing on site police support
The Federal Office of Police (fedpol) will be present in Basel for the entire duration of the ESC and will be directly integrated into the operational structure of the Basel security authorities. Among other tasks, fedpol will provide support in assessing the situation and, on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, will investigate any criminal offences falling within its jurisdiction. As a hub connecting national and international police forces, fedpol will ensure the efficient exchange of information across borders.
In particular, the Geneva-based Police and Customs Cooperation Centre will be represented in Basel during the ESC. The police attachés stationed abroad by fedpol and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security will also be available in the event of an incident. Police attachés of foreign police forces stationed in Switzerland will also be involved if necessary.
As part of law enforcement cooperation, both the national contact point for the exchange of additional information (SIRENE Office Switzerland) and fedpol’s Operations and Alert Centre will be represented on site. This will ensure the efficient execution of Schengen or global searches in the event of an incident. In addition, fedpol will coordinate the deployment of Europol staff to support the Basel security authorities.
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security: providing the first layer of security
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) will be part of the security framework surrounding the ESC. The FOCBS will continue to conduct its controls based on the situation and risk, remaining present at border crossings and in the border area as part of its mandate, thus acting as the first layer of security. During the ESC, it will carry out targeted customs inspections, intensifying goods and passenger checks in specific areas and adapting its operations accordingly.
The FOCBS will maintain close communication with domestic partner authorities – particularly the cantonal police forces of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft – as well as with foreign authorities.