The Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC is absolutely not happy with the announcement that they are not allowed to organize the Eurovision Song Contest next year. The umbrella organizer European Broadcasting Union (EBU) does not think it is safe enough because of the war. Ukraine does see opportunities and demands new negotiations.
According to the broadcaster, EBU made the decision “without discussion”. “We are convinced that we have every reason to continue negotiations in order to reach a joint solution that will satisfy all parties. We won the Eurovision Song Contest fairly and met all the conditions within the deadlines,” the broadcaster continues. .
“We have provided answers and assurances about safety standards and possible venues for the event.” Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko, broadcaster Chernotytski Mykola and former winners Ruslana (2004) and Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk (2022) have signed the UA:PBC statement.
‘Song festival in Ukraine is a strong signal’
UA:PBC believes that a Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine is a “strong signal” to the world in view of the war. “We are demanding that this decision be changed because we believe we can deliver on all commitments, as we have also repeatedly demonstrated to the EBU.”
The EBU announced on Friday afternoon that the 2023 Song Contest cannot take place in Ukraine. Instead, the European broadcaster’s umbrella has now started talks with the BBC. The United Kingdom finished in second place last month.
Last week, UA:PBC provided several updates on the developments surrounding the organization. For example, Tkachenko said that three different regions were being considered and that they could meet all the EBU’s obligations. “We have provided detailed answers to security questions and other organizational nuances and proposed different locations,” the minister said. “We understand that given the current circumstances we face the challenge of hosting Eurovision in Ukraine. But we have risen to this challenge and I am sure we will surprise everyone.”