The European Broadcasting Union remains firm in its decision not to hold Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine. Despite the delicate situation in which it finds itself due to the war, the country showed a few days ago its rejection of the statement issued by the festival organization regarding the 2023 venue. Due to the “disappointment” of the government presided over by Volodímir Zelensky, those responsible have been forced to justify the reasons why the event will be hosted in another territory.
“The EBU fully understands the disappointment caused by the announcement that Eurovision 2023 cannot be held in Ukraine, this year’s winning country,” the organization begins by saying in a statement on social media, maintaining that this decision has been made. “to ensure compliance the safety conditions of all those who work and participate in the eventfor which planning must begin immediately in the host country”.
the @EBU_HQ has issued the statement below regarding the hosting of next year’s #Eurovision Song Answer.
Find it online here ➡️ https://t.co/M6qnJ33obw pic.twitter.com/7rcRkEfF7M
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) June 23, 2022
In addition to requesting that this decision “not be politicized”, the EBU insists that there are a series of serious risks that would affect the planning and development of the festival. The security questionnaire completed by Ukraine refers to possible “air strikes with drones or missiles that could cause a significant number of victims”. As for the measures to avoid this type of threat, they emphasize that they are “insufficient” for a contest of such dimensions.
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Another point in the statement refers to the “reluctance” of the delegations and participants to travel to Ukraine. Nor do they contemplate the possibility of Eurovision staying in a border area with a neighboring country.since “the specifications of the venues suggested and the lack of infrastructure do not meet the requirements of the contest”.
The EBU announced a few days ago its intention to start talks with the BBC for the organization of Eurovision 2023. Despite the fact that several British cities have shown their interest in hosting the massive event, Boris Johnson was opposed to this idea: “We We did fantastic, we came second and I would love for him to come to this country, but the fact is that they (Ukraine) were the ones who won.” “I think kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to do it. I think they can do it and I think they should.”said the British Prime Minister.