The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, has confirmed that the next edition of the musical contest cannot be held in Ukraine, despite the fact that this country won the last edition last May in the Italian city of Turin.
This was announced in a statement by the organization that “fully understands the disappointment received by the announcement that the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2023 cannot be held in Ukraine, this year’s winning country.”
The EBU announced on June 17 that Eurovision could not be held in Ukraine due to the situation in the country, which was invaded by Russia on February 24, and announced that The organization negotiated with the United Kingdom, which came in second place in the last contest, to organize the 2023 edition.
That decision “was based on the EBU’s responsibility to ensure that conditions are met to ensure the safety of all those working and participating in the event, planning for which must begin immediately in the host country,” the organization noted.
As usual, at least 10,000 people are accredited to work in the Eurovision Song Contestincluding equipment, staff and journalists. Another 30,000 fans are expected to travel to the event from around the world. “Your well-being is our main concern,” the EBU added.
“Therefore, -precise- andIt is essential that the decisions that are made in relation to such a complex live television event are made by broadcast professionals and are not politicized“.
The Rules of the Eurovision Song Contestwhich is agreed upon by all participating broadcasters, clearly state that the event can be moved in a force majeure situationlike a war in progress.
“In response to the safety questionnaire carried out by the EBU, it was mentioned a series of risks that would affect the immediate planning of such a large eventincluding the serious risk of air strikes, drone strikes or missile strikeswhich can cause a significant number of victims, something that was highlighted by Ukraine’s own assessment,” he said.
To make this decision definitively, the EBU sought the advice from security experts and took note of the comments made by ehe general secretary of the NATO, Jens Stoltenbergthat the war in Ukraine “could take years & rdquor ;.
With regard to the possibility of holding the contest in a border area close to a neighboring country, the specifications of the venues suggested and the lack of the necessary surrounding infrastructure do not meet the required requirements.
“Taking all this into account, the EBU, with regret, made the decision to move the event to another country and will continue discussions to find a suitable venue for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest,” he concluded.
The European Broadcasting Union is the world’s largest public service media alliance, representing more than 100 organisations.
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The television association announced on June 17 that “will establish conversations with the BBC, the British public television, to explore the possibility of the event being held in the United Kingdom”country who came second in the last contest held in Turin, behind the winner, Ukraine.
the ukrainian group Kalushwith the song ‘Stefania’ won the last festival, followed by the British Sam Ryderwith the song ‘spaceman’.