Following their victory in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May, the EBU is exploring options for hosting the competition next year with Ukrainian public television UA: PBC, which previously hosted the event in 2017 and 2005.
It has become a well-known tradition for the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest to host next year’s competition, providing certain criteria, including ensuring the viability of the event and respecting the safety of all stakeholders, including the public.
Given the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full feasibility study and feasibility study with both UA: PBC and third-country experts, including on security and safety.
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most sophisticated television productions in the world, with thousands working and attending the event, and it takes 12 months to prepare.
After an objective analysis, the reference group, the ESC Board of Directors, deeply regretted that, given the current circumstances, the security and performance guarantees necessary for the TV operator to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest according to ESC rules are not can be performed by UA: PBC.
EBU would like to thank UA: PBC for their dedicated cooperation and commitment to exploring all scenarios in the weeks following the Kalush Orchestra’s victory on May 14 in Turin, and share its sadness and disappointment that next year’s competition cannot take place in Ukraine. .
The EBU supports UA: PBC in a range of areas after the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so that UA: PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.
As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the UK.
Our full intention is for Ukraine’s victory to be broadcast next year. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with potential hosts.
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