On Thursday the CEO of Swedish broadcaster SVT called on the European Broadcasting Union to change course and exclude Russia from Eurovision.
Now the Danish broadcaster DR and Norwegian broadcaster NRK have echoed the sentiment, with the former saying it’s “wrong” to allow Russia to participate.
The news comes as Russian military forces reached Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and amid reports Russia is not distinguishing between civilian and military targets in its all-out assault against Ukraine.
Gustav Lützhøft, the editor-in-chief of the broadcaster’s official Eurovision site, communicated DR’s position. “First of all, I would like to say that it is a serious and extremely unpleasant situation that is unfolding in Ukraine right now.”
“At DR, we find it wrong that Russia is to participate in Eurovision, as the situation is now. That is DR’s position. And we have communicated it to the EBU. We are in ongoing dialogue with them.”
Meanwhile in Norway, TV boss Thor Gjermund Eriksen said: “We do not see how Russia can participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
“NRK has given clear advice to the EBU that Russia can not participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.”
“At the same time, this is a member organization that needs some time to cement a decision. We have full confidence that the EBU will reach the right decision.”
i am wondering whether russians are proud of their PRESIDENT?
I can’t imagine this.
Why haven’t the Big Five said anything??
I suppose the “Big Five” are busy guarding NATO borders, or is that comment directed towards making the “Big Five” evil?
I’m not sure if most people are aware of this, but Norway and Russia share a 198 km border, and as a Norwegian I don’t really feel safe, even if the shared border is tiny. It may be completely irrational, especially since we aren’t a part of the Eastern countries…but we often hear in the news that Russia is doing military training closer and closer to our doorstep in the Barets Sea and I don’t like it. They’ve shown now that they’re willing to attack their neighbour in one direction, so I’m sure they’re able to attack in another direction… Read more »
If EBU does not alter its decision, the ESC has lost all implicit moral, social, and functional value to Europe and Australia, and the world. All countries should stand in solidarity and withdraw this year and agree to let Italy host again in the future when righteous minds prevail and the Russian government is toppled.
“Eurovision is not about politic” … they used to say
Killing Europeans in the middle of Europe isn’t just politics.
This is more than politics this time. It’s a question of morality.
They’re also not about war.
Please ban Russia !
Finnish broadcaster Yle confirmed that Finland will withdraw if Russia is allowed to participate!
all 3 baltics as well
And Russia will collapse after that … LOL
Hey, Western Europe, do you remember “Don’t Look Up”? You’re like a Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett).
Since EBU is so spineless, Italy should just ban Russian visas and they won’t be able to participate.
as if… italy won’t do anything factual to contrast russia. we’re the developed country with the best relationship with russia and i can’t see our government doing what’s ethically right, unfortunately. but i hope i’m wrong.
Israel also had the best relationship with Russia. And yet they still condemned Russia’s actions yesterday. Not a single civilized country would close their eyes on this.
“condemning” their actions doesn’t do anything, it’s just a formality. italy also condemned them. and yet our government is still refusing to sanction them in any way.
Are you still gonna continue using that username even though she’s Putin’s supporter?
you’re absolutely right. i saw her liking pro-putin posts earlier and hit the unfollow button quicker than a ray of light. i hope she has a conscience deep down.
I never knew we could change our usernames. I guess that’s because I never did the whole login thing lol
Great choice!
it’s time for the Big 5 to finally speak up too!
All the big five and other countries that stand by Russia should also be banned along with Russia
Yle (the broadcaster in Finland) just announced, that they‘re withdrawing in case Russia is allowed to participate this year. I think that other broadcasters should join this movement.
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS also issued a statement in which they aks the EBU to ban Russia from Eurovision this year
Honestly Slovenia should withdraw too then. A lot of people will confuse the Slovene flag with the Russian one and Slovenia will get booed heavily. Not to talk about the song…
Lmao what?!
I hope you’re not serious…
Well, probably not wrong about that. I like the person who said that if ESC goes on, every country should bring the Ukrainian flag in place of their flag.
I’m afraid I am
I guess u meant Slovakia – and they are not in the competition – and tension on border is escalating 🙁
Unpopular opinion but perhaps Eurovision shouldn’t be held this year at all. All resources should be directed to helping Ukraine. I doubt anyone have any mood to party when we are in the brink of World War 3.
Agree
Calm down, dear ..!
this fear-mongering is the last thing we need in this situation, get some help
Sadly the fear is already there. It doesn’t need any mongering.
I think you have a point, and I’m a lifelong fan of the contest. If it does take place, it’s already pretty clear already that Ukraine will win the televote by a huge margin.
That¨s like saying Italy won televote because people sympathized with them over corona..
I think it would happen just because of solidarity
Even when everything will be fine, we won’t be able to host the contest cause we will have to rebuilt everything
A formal ban may not be necessary. UK had prohibited visas for Russian nationals as part of their sanction package. Italy seems hesitant to go for the major economic sanctions, but could institute a similar visa ban, thus making it impossible for a Russian delegation to even enter Italy.The visa ban has less impact on the Italian economy, so would be an easy choice for the Italian government.
I am usually not a very religious man, but today I pray that as many Ukrainians are safe, that the invasion stops, and that no other country gets affected by the power-hungry dictator. Today I pray for Europe. EBU should ban Russia from going to Eurovision in order to ensure it being peaceful. We can only hope there will be Eurovision with 40 participants, and that everything will go smoothly and safely. But above all, we can all stand together in support towards Ukraine and Ukrainians. Slava Ukrajini!!! As for me, I know it doesn’t matter at all on a… Read more »
Younger, more wide-eyed me was a big fan of that song back in 2013. I thought that Dina had a lovely message to share. The context matters, and thus, I am now unable to like the song. Due to my objective liking of the composition (if the context was any different), I am also unable to fully hate it. But now, what it leaves in me is a bitter feeling of frustration and sadness. Same as with A Million Voices. I can only hear million of Ukrainians fleeing for their lives in confusion and dismay.
The Netherlands has issued an statement too in support of banning Russia
Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic were supposed to play a football match against Russia (and in some cases IN Russia) and they refused. UEFA Champions League final was moved from Russia to France. If they can do it, EBU can do it, too. Looking forward to seeing more countries putting out statements.
The Dutch broadcaster also put out a statement saying they don’t want Russia in the EBU.
I think Wiwibloggs should make a statement as well. We cannot allow Russia to participate in Eurovision!
For sure, even if, sadly, they will be allowed to participate I’m afraid some countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova will still give their points to Russia :/ I can’t imagine someone voting for such a country in this situation :/
What can Wiwibloggs possibly do? They are writers. Not politicians, artists or broadcasters. It’s not their place to make statements..
“Laying down my armour, laying down my guard” … Anja – Dennark 2017 – come on EBU – Russia and Azerbaijan need to be kicked off – sorry not sorry
Even FIFA and UEFA are currently taking action, the Champions League final was scheduled to take place in Russia and it’s almost certainly will not happen. Why the F** the EBU can’t take any steps? How can they just ignore this?
It is pure madness: “Russia’s Lavrov says Moscow wants Ukrainian people to be independent”. West Europe!!! Wake Up!!!! This is the rhetoric of Hitler and Stalin! Next: Georgia, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland. Can’t you see it, Europe??
If Putin attacks a NATO country he will be running with a missile up his a s s.
.
I hope the EBU will listen, because Russia (and Azerbaijan too, but that’s a separate discussion) has no business competing in a festival that celebrates peace and unity through music.
Maybe some countries/artists should threaten to pull out of the contest if Russia is still there?
Every broadcaster has to have this position. The world abandoned Ukraine, a free democratic country, to be swallowed by this corrupt disease that goes under the name Russia. Cancer would be a more proper name to that thing. And now the EBU struggles to even do a bare minimum. It’s outrageous.
Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.
1/8th of participating countries have now called for Russia to be banned.
Let’s keep the chorus of condemnation growing louder and louder to make sure the EBU hear us.
Come on BBC you’re up next I hope!
The BBC is a impartial and apolitical organisation like the EBU, this is because of how they are funded and by who governs the BBC, whom is appointed by His/Her Majesty and as the Royal Family cannot make any political declarations given the way they operate themselves and seeing that the BBC has a very close working relationship with the Royals it would be extremely inappropriate and would violate both the Royal constitution of political impartiality and the BBC charter for the same reasons, so the are extremely unlikely to make a statement themselves about it but other broadcasters like… Read more »
The Netherlands have now called for a Russian ban as well!!
Yes! We need more broadcasters to do this. Thanks Denmark <3
And now Norway! We need the BBC and other big 4 to take some responsibility.