Following its victory at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May, the EBU has been exploring options for organizing next year’s competition with the Ukrainian public broadcaster UA: PBC, which previously went organize the event in 2017 and 2005.
It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria, such as ensuring the viability of the organization of the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public.
Given the ongoing war since this year’s Russian invasion of the winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA: PBC and third-party specialists. including safety and security issues.
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex television productions in the world with thousands of people working and attending the event and the 12 months of preparation time required.
After an objective analysis, the Reference Group, the governing body of the ESC, has concluded with deep sorrow that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees necessary for a station to host, organize and produce the Festival of the Eurovision Song Contest according to ESC rules cannot be complied with by UA: PBC.
The EBU would like to thank UA: PBC for its sincere cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks following the Kalush Orchestra’s victory on May 14 in Turin and to share its sadness and disappointment. so that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine.
The EBU has been supporting UA: PBC in a range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so that UA: PBC can maintain the indispensable service it provides to the 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 talks with the BBC, as a finalist this year, to potentially host the Festival of the Song of ‘Eurovision 2023 in the United Kingdom.
Our full intention is for the victory of Ukraine to be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with potential hosts.