Eurovision to plug fair treatment message

The Eurovision song contest and European year of equal opportunity for all have come together in Helsinki for a week of entertainment and a chance to get a serious message across: everyone has the right to equal treatment.

Although EU anti-discrimination laws are among the toughest in the world, only one third of its population know their rights in the face of discrimination. At the same time, 64% of Europeans questioned think the problem is widespread and 51% that not enough is being done to combat the issue.

Equal opportunities commissioner Vladimír Špidla, who will be in Helsinki on Wednesday for the celebrations, explained that the song contest provides a perfect way to let people know about their rights: “What better framework than a vibrant European-wide entertainment event bringing together all the different cultures and flavours of Europe?”

The contest has been running since 1956 and this year 100 million people are expected to tune in. The equal opportunities campaign will have a pavilion at the Eurovision village where it will pass on its message to the 2 000 journalists expected to attend.

Find out more about the year of equal opportunities in your country

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