In the aftermath of its decision to revoke Ukraine’s right to host Eurovision 2023, the European Broadcasting Union has faced criticism from Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and the head of its state broadcaster. British Prime Minister Borish Johnson and his culture chief subsequently chimed in, agreeing with Ukraine’s top-brass that it should be given the chance to host the song contest next year.

Well the EBU has now hit back, providing further insight into why it has decided to offer the hosting gig to the BBC — the UK state broadcaster. 

Among other things, it cites a severe risk of “air raids/attacks by aircraft or attacks by drones or missiles, which can cause significant casualties.”

Understandably, this security threat would likely make a number of delegations and participants uncomfortable next May, thereby threatening the participation of several broadcasters. 

We are re-publishing the entire EBU statement below.

Eurovision 2023: EBU statement cites mass casualty risk in Ukraine

The EBU fully understands the disappointment that greeted the announcement that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) cannot be staged in Ukraine, this year’s winning country.

The decision was guided by the EBU’s responsibility to ensure the conditions are met to guarantee the safety and security of everyone working and participating in the event, the planning of which needs to begin immediately in the host country.

At least 10,000 people are usually accredited to work on, or at, the Eurovision Song Contest including crew, staff and journalists. A further 30,000 fans are expected to travel to the event from across the world. Their welfare is our prime concern.

It is therefore critical that decisions made in relation to such a complex live television event are made by broadcasting professionals and do not become politicized.

The Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, that all participating broadcasters agree upon, clearly state that the event can be moved in a force majeure situation such as an ongoing war.

In response to the EBU’s security questionnaire a number of risks that would impact the immediate planning for such a large event, including the “severe” risk of air raids/attacks by aircraft or attacks by drones or missiles, which can cause significant casualties, were highlighted by the Ukrainian assessment provided to us.

Additionally, the EBU sought third-party expert security advice which clearly stated that the counter measures proposed to mitigate the threats planning the event in Ukraine were insufficient for an international public event and the risk rating of a mass casualty event due to the ongoing conflict is “high”.

Alongside the security concerns, the continued conflict in Ukraine makes delegations and participants reluctant to travel to the country. We also noted the comments made by the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, that the war in Ukraine “could take years.”

With regards to the possibility of hosting the Contest in a border location close to a neighbouring country, the specifications of suggested venues, and the lack of the necessary surrounding infrastructure, do not meet the requirements of the ESC.

When drawing its conclusions, the EBU also took note that, based on our current information, no major international concert tours are visiting Ukraine throughout 2023.

All this contributes to the EBU’s overall assessment that in terms of security and operational guarantees, the necessary requirements for hosting, as set out in the Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest are not met.

Taking all of this into account the EBU, with regret, made its decision to move the event to another country and will continue discussions on finding a suitable location for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We are happy to engage further with our Ukrainian Member UA:PBC on all these issues.

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Im so fab
Im so fab
1 year ago

I feel like the EBU explains the situation to some 5 years old kiddos, not a public broadcaster.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

What a sad world we live in that “mass casualty risk” is now a factor in the long-term planning of an event like the Eurovision Song Contest.

ESCVictorIn2999
ESCVictorIn2999
1 year ago

The fact that Ukraine responded to the private questionnaire explicitly stating that in their own assessment the risk of an attack on Eurovision was severe tends to suggest to me that the statements we’ve been getting from the Ukrainian Culture Minister and Suspilne are more intended to allow them to say to the Ukrainian public “look, we did everything we could to host Eurovision but it’s out of our hands” than serious efforts at trying to ensure the show will actually be held on Ukrainian territory.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I’d really like to think that

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago

That makes sense, and I hope you’re right, though making the EBU a villain isn’t necessarily the right thing to do.

Sarah
Sarah
1 year ago

great

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago

Maybe Ukraine will be safer in 2023 than the ‘Stade de France’. Imagine France winning, EBU should also deny France to host for security risks.

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

It wouldn’t be a problem because they wouldn’t have to deal with the absolute morons who support Liverpool FC anymore.

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

I have many friends who were there that night, and I can sure you what happened was purely due to French youth and the police. Yes the fans have a bit history but that’s in the past now.

Ross
Ross
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

from what i recall i think paris hosted the junior eurovision song contest in 2021 so they could host a song contest i presume ..

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Not long to get it right before Paris 2024, then

Moonstar
Moonstar
1 year ago

The people who are moaning about not being allowed to host Eurovision should concentrate on helping the people affected by the war NOW and while it’s ongoing.

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago

I know it’s dissapointing for Ukraine not to host it, and they want to use the competition to send a strong message of defiance. However can they be really surprised that there is clearly going to be a lot of safety issues, it’s a war zone??? Why would they want to risk the lives of all the travelling staff, delegations and international fans, and this includes comments made by the British government. I travel to eurovision every year, and honestly Kiev was one of the best years ever and made so many great memories, I would feel very appeehsive to… Read more »

Common Sense
Common Sense
1 year ago

The only right and reasonable decision! We shouldnt question security issues, putinng at risk artists’, delegations’ and public safety. Argument that situation might improve in coming months is confusing, bacause preparations to the next contest have to begin immeduately. Can we please finally agree that there is no option for Eurovision being organised in Ukraine and finally end this discussion and focus on the preparations to the next edition? We should give our full support to the next host country, because whoever it will be, it won’t have an easy task.. and of course Ukraine has a full right to… Read more »

Doireann
Doireann
1 year ago

I just think that it’s crazy how people are protesting for Ukraine to host next year… where are they supposed to host it? Where will people stay? It’s not safe and I think that the Uk will host, they came second so this whole idea of it happening in a country close to Ukraine is a bit stupid too…
That’s just my opinion though

NEESC
NEESC
1 year ago
Reply to  Doireann

Neighbor countries don’t have the infrastructure? Seriously? Poland was pretty successful hosting the JESC, IMO. That’s kind of disrespectful.

Doireann
Doireann
1 year ago
Reply to  NEESC

I never said that, but at the end of the day the Uk came second so it’s only fair for them to hose bcs Ukraine can’t, don’t twist my words into something I didn’t say.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  NEESC

Then again, who would pay for ESC’s organization in Poland? Because if answer is “Polish broadcaster” – no, they wouldn’t – not only it’s A LOT, its not their win anyway. If answer is “Ukraine” – no they wouldn’t – not only they have more important stuff to spend money on, why would they invest money on Poland instead of taking care of themself? If answer is “EBU, Big 5 basically” – no they wouldn’t – look at Ukraine again – they won’t be sponsoring ESC happening in different country.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

Off but kinda on topic: Little Big just uploaded an anti war song and music video called: “Generation Cancellation”.

Benji
Benji
1 year ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

Moreover, they have decided to leave Russia because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Russian war propaganda. I believe this information would deserve a separate article on Wiwibloggs.

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Benji

Great and somewhat heroic move!

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Benji

I could not agree more!

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

The fact this needs to be explained to some people is mind boggling. I’m glad the EBU aren’t wussing out and are being up front and honest about this.

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago

Ukraine gave us war theatrics by showing their Eurovision presenter broadcasting from a BUNKER saying how dangerous the situation in Ukraine is that it’s not even safe to broadcast in an open area, but all of a sudden now IT’S SAFE to host a major event with 50,000 people around the world involved? That bunker picture was totally propaganda and people fell for it by giving them pity votes.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

This shows the war is a scam to get sympathy.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Stop.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

You’re a terrible person dude

Luke B
Luke B
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Such a good point! I hadn’t even thought of that. Talk about conflicting messages

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

The 34 people who upvoted this after reading that last sentence…I’m so tired. So so tired of the lack of sympathy or empathy. You don’t get Eurovision spirit if you genuinely agree with that.

Ross
Ross
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Ukraine is a pretty large size country with bombardment mostly in the south and east of the country. i presume there are parts of the country that have not been affected by bombardment. such as in west of the country

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

I just find it ludicrous that UK politicians are trying to butter up the nonsensical notion that the Ukraine are even with a scream of hosting the contest. It is just not possible in any stretch of the imagination or in any logical or sensible terms whatsoever. Furthermore what annoys me the most is: how clueless the British are when it comes to the hosting and procurement of the contest and how it comes together; and the fact that they are so obvious to the absolute reality in which Ukraine is facing and their inability to host next year in… Read more »

L’oiseau
L’oiseau
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

First of all, Belgium is not at ALL a neutral country. Belgium is a founding member of NATO and of the EU, which put its solidly and without a showdown of doubt in the anti-Russia camp. The EU as an institution is also not ALL neutral in this war (and rightly so!!!) Also there are anti-EU sentiments in many countries, most notably in the UK, as we all know. So all in all this is a terrible idea!!! But for some reason I am not surprised that some people in the European Commission are proposing this ludicrous idea with their… Read more »

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  L’oiseau

Firstly, did not know that Belgium abandoned its neutral policy so that’s ignorance on my end. My bad. Secondly, even if you think that Belgium won’t make a good host nation its still arguably much better than any of the choices on offer from the UK. Which is not the host country people are after sorry to disappoint people but the UK ain’t hosting in 2023. We can’t afford it, the country has gone to crap and we have our government officials actively pursuing a hosting in Ukraine that is entirely unfeasible under any circumstance. 2023 isn’t a contest next… Read more »

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Sorry to say, Liam, but I think you’re gonna be disappointed.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

There’s a bit of a difference between UK politicians and the sort of British people who organise big international events. For a start, they’re not the same people.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

Can we make a rule that countries at w4r are not allowed to participate in Eurovision?

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Exactly. Ukraine should have never been allowed to participate this year since it was know beforehand that it cannot host if they won.

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

You’re just making up stupid arguments to miscredit Ukraine. If Ukraine shouldn’t have participated because they can’t host it, so shouldn’t Australia, San Marino, North Macedonia, Moldova and Iceland have.

But I understand it’s not about being logical. It’s all about propaganda against Ukraine.

Tomi
Tomi
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

They had all the right to participate. They even chose their song before the war started. I believe other countries would have found it not acceptable to participate in a song contest in a time of war and they would have withdrawn on their own. But, let’s just face it, that’s simply not the Ukrainian mindset. And if they themselves didn’t think it inappropriate, even under the terrible circumstances they have been facing, on what grounds would the EBU or someone else prevent them?

MJL
MJL
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Hindsight is 20/20 – but I totally agree. Ukraine should have been a showcase piece – let them perform and give a speech , but they can’t win. Now it’s a mess.

Nitzan
Nitzan
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

What’s the point in that? They can just not host in worst case scenario, it wouldn’t be the first time a winner didn’t host the next year

Samo
Samo
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

In that case Ukraine wouldn’t have been participating during the last 8 years. That would be a real pity as they brought so many high quality entries in that period.

Vicky
Vicky
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Yes, it would make total sense. But in that case 2019 should nor have happened.

Tomi
Tomi
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

…but, that already is the rule. In cases of force majeure, no hosting is possible. A full-fledged war is a case of force majeure. A big earthquake or a tsunami would be too.

Tomi
Tomi
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

I’m too tired, I misread your comment.

Ukraine obviously wanted to participate, Bosnia in the 90’s took part too, but Armenia recently withdrew. I think the rule is: countries at war decide for themselves if it’s suitable for them to participate or not. And I think it’s pretty fine as it is. If a country at war still wants to participate, why would anyone want to add to their suffering by preventing them from participating? Countries at war don’t always win Eurovision.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
1 year ago

It really makes no sense that they consider Ukraine to host next Esc. I dont think Putin would be so deranged as to attack the place where the Festival is taking place but what would be possible is that he attacked the venue where the Festival is going to be held one month before the show and that would be bye bye Eurovision for that year.

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

That’s been my thoughts too. Putin wouldn’t bomb the contest – killing people from all over Europe would signal the start of WW3. What is far more likely is bombing the venue to smithereens three weeks before the contest. With nowhere else able to step in at that short notice, bye bye Eurovision 2023.

Giorgio
Giorgio
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

you lost me at “I dont think Putin would be so deranged“. if anything, this year has proven, once and for all, that is he is more than deranged. an attack on Eurovision would be exacting the revenge he seeks and no, it wouldn’t start WW3 because the western leaders are wussies. don’t underestimate the level of putin’s insanity! he is the most dangerous person on the planet right now. he is like Hitler with nuclear weapons.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
1 year ago
Reply to  Giorgio

Dont think about war… If Putin attacked and killed civilians from all over Europe. The European community and the international community in general will be forced by public opinion to impose really hard economical restrictions to Russia. Putin is not so insane as to jeopardize Russian economy.

Azan
Azan
1 year ago

Hopefully, the host country will be decided by August, so then we will know the host city in autumn

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Azan

I don’t think it’ll be that late when it comes to announcing the country. I fully expect the EBU to confirm the BBC’s involvement by the end of this month/the start of July, and the host city to follow in early September.

Samo
Samo
1 year ago

Not holding it in Ukraine – ok, that can be understood.

But the nonsense about nearby countries not having suitable venue is a pure BS. This should still be an Ukrainian show, hosted in a city near Ukraine.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

It’s not as easy as that. That’d require negotiations with other countries that either don’t necessarily have suitable venues, didn’t compete this year and who knows if they’ll compete next year, and aren’t the logical pinch-hitter, aka the country that came second. This is how Eurovision has worked for years, this shouldn’t be news to anyone who’s done their research on the contest’s history. Ukraine will very much have a presence at the contest, and when it’s all been laid out in an (IMHO) very reasonable, non-finger-pointing way, I think it’s best to just move on. Eurovision is Eurovision, no… Read more »

Samo
Samo
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

There are plenty of suitable venues in Poland and possibly in Baltics. I really don’t see why the Ukrainian Eurovision should be hosted at the opposite end of Europe.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

Again, you literally just have to read up about how Eurovision hosting works to know why Latvia and Estonia aren’t throwing their hats in the ring so quickly. Maybe there are suitable venues, but 1) that would require cooperation from those other countries, who may not have even come close to winning (Latvia didn’t even qualify) and would make their being the hosts even more hollow, regardless of neighborliness (remember that the Netherlands only took on hosting duties in 1980 after LITERALLY the entire previous year’s top ten said no, and they came twelfth so Norway didn’t want to do… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

Every country in Europe is near Ukraine. I assume the BBC will not bring it to the Falkland Islands.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I like the Freudian slip of almost writing his name as “Boorish Johnson.” But seriously: this follow-up statement was inevitable after Ukraine started making a stink. Somebody had to spell it out for the poor guys, and I can tell the EBU were figuring out the most delicate way to lower the boom (which, to be fair, they were trying to do even more judiciously the first time, and look what happened there). These statements (this and the follow-up about the cheating) have the clear air of “We really didn’t want to be this blunt, but if you’re gonna keep… Read more »

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

People just really want the EBU to be some kind of FIFA-esque den of corruption and wickedness when it’s honestly probably the most vanilla thing about Eurovision.

Ark
Ark
1 year ago

Delegations and participants would likely feel uncomfortable in Ukraine.

Gee I wonder why? Almost as if no one is insane enough to cross a border into a country that’s not in NATO AND is actively during war for a song contest.

Except politicians that want to virtue signal, of course.

Charlie
Charlie
1 year ago

I think at the end of the day, I predict the parties involved (The BBC and UA: PBC) will make a compromise and allow Ukrainian components to be implemented at next year’s ESC when it takes place most likely in Great Britain. #UKraine2023 ?? ??

Ares
Ares
1 year ago

y’all know ukraine would make up this drama in case they won, yet europe decided to grant them a win instead of exploring other options to support ukrainians in their fight against russia. We were saying it, now just enjoy the regrettable spectacle

Nils
Nils
1 year ago

Good on the EBU!

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
1 year ago

EBU are correct. I’m so sorry for Ukraine but if things can be secure why have so many of their population left to various countries across Europe due to this Russian aggression?. Surely Ukraine must realize this. Please don’t use this wonderful event to risk the general public safety from other nations.

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

Of course it is very risky, yet it seems we have to give Ukraine everything they ask for. Some politicians jumping in and asking to revoke the decision because they want people to believe they are humanitarian an all of that media stuff surrounding these kind of topics. Nowadays it is like saying “no” to something Ukraine asks for is being pro-russian and nothing further from reality, tbh. At this point, it is obvious Ukraine can’t host safely, with guarantees, an international event at this level. Saying something different is delusional or just for the sake of being under the… Read more »

Meckie
Meckie
1 year ago

I have a feeling Ukraine will send a song in style of Alina Pash’s song in NF 2022, only sung by another singer, and they could win Televote in ESC 2023 again.

esc2022turin
esc2022turin
1 year ago
Reply to  Meckie

If it happens I wouldn’t mind another Ukranian win at all!

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  esc2022turin

Yeah dude, Alina was my #1 before she had to withdraw. Intense Ukrainian songs butter my egg roll.

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Meckie

I’m ready for another intense ethnic Ukrainian ballad, I’m expecting something VERY powerful next year.

Meckie
Meckie
1 year ago

Why not ESC 2023 in Moldova, they came 2nd in Televote???

Elle
Elle
1 year ago
Reply to  Meckie

Because 1. Neighbor to Ukraine (too dangerous). 2. Moldova is a non-NATO and non-EU member (potentially security at risk in Moldova due to Russia). 3. Moldova didn’t come 2nd in overall voting

Anna
Anna
1 year ago
Reply to  Meckie

They did not come 2nd in total..simple as that.

beccaboo1212
1 year ago

Good thing the contest isn’t being cancelled completely, but instead relocation it to a safer country. Although I’m not from the United Kingdom, I’m sure BBC put on a great show. I do, however, have British heritage.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago

Good luck to next year’s host, then.

They are going to need it.

Frisian esc
1 year ago

Explain

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago

Finally accepting reality, I see.
Congrats.

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago

Strong, sensible words from the EBU. Hopefully this now ends the drama and planning for the 2023 contest can start in earnest.

I’m baffled though why Ukraine is in such a huff about being passed over to host when its broadcaster has admitted there’s a severe risk of a missile attack at the contest which could lead to significant casualties. I mean, how on earth could the contest go there?

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Jercel11

They are showing their TRUE colours!

Henno
Henno
1 year ago

Imagine being the EBU and having to issue a second statement to quantify how hosting a huge event involving thousands of fans, peformers, delegates, technical staff and volunteers in a country at war is a bad thing… Eyeroll. Facepalm.

esc2022turin
esc2022turin
1 year ago

Ngl but I won’t even be surprised if Ukraine withdraws from the contest next year because of this…

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  esc2022turin

TBH, I think the EBU would be relieved if it did, especially after the past week.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Jercel11

I’m pretty certain the EBU, other delegations and even competing performers would be relieved. The Ukrainian heads of delegation are being somewhat troublesome and I think people are simply getting fed up of them, quite frankly. (Not the Ukranian people, you’re lovely – it’s the people making the decisions for you…)

Maybush
1 year ago
Reply to  esc2022turin

I wouldn’t be surprised if Ukraine took part next year and won again with a massive Televote out of sympathy for them about this situation.

esc2022turin
esc2022turin
1 year ago
Reply to  Maybush

I hope and honestly don’t think that it will happen especially if the war still continues (Unless they have the WINNER song ofc). As I commented in other wiwibloggs post, if the war continues for several years and it means that Ukraine is always winning until the end of the war, it could destroy all of the contests success and reputation and I honestly could the juries tanking Ukraine or even the EBU changing the results just to prevent it from actually happening

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  esc2022turin

It’s entirely possible, and I hope it doesn’t happen. If it becomes a thing for the next few years that Ukraine wins with an enormous televote, then it will destroy the contest…no country is going to bother if it’s just a race to come second to Ukraine.

esc2022turin
esc2022turin
1 year ago
Reply to  Jercel11

Literally, what pisses me off is that there are people that can’t separate politics and contests, and when it comes to a contest that they can be involved on determining the result it could just make a bad mess. I actually think that cancelling the public votes and coming back to the days when only juries were determining the results would be the best option atm

quetzal
quetzal
1 year ago
Reply to  Maybush

i mean the russo-ukranian war has been going on since 2014 and besides 1944 (which was indeed the best song of that year) they have not won since. Time didn’t even make the top 20, Shum got like 160 less televote points. This is almost certainly an isolated incident.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  esc2022turin

I think they should to rebuild their country.

Hector
Hector
1 year ago

It’s unbelievable that they have to remind the most obvious things. And yet there’ll be people who won’t be convinced still.

But well done to the EBU on not giving in to the pressure they’re under on this matter

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago

Strong and sensible words from the EBU, and I’m glad to see its not caving in. But someone needs to explain something to me – if the Ukrainian broadcaster admitted there was a “severe risk of air raids/attacks by aircraft or attacks by drones or missiles, which can cause significant casualties” then why are they in a huff about being passed over for hosting?

I’m really hoping this statement ends the drama and we can all now look forward to a grown-up discussion about the staging of the 2023 contest in another country.

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  Jercel11

Sorry, this is a duplicate comment…I thought it hadn’t been posted so I said it again above.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
1 year ago

Let those who voted for them out of “pity” and “support” help with the organization in Ukraine. You asked for it, there you go now.

Nils
Nils
1 year ago

Why don’t you go and visit Ukraine? I suppose you already are in St. Petersburg …

Erik
Erik
1 year ago

If Ukrainian people is so upset about the decision: Just WITHDRAW and come back when the war is over. Or else they gonna win every year

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Erik

WELL SAID!!!

Mariia
1 year ago
Reply to  Erik

We had war fof 9 years. Get some education please.

Jake
Jake
1 year ago

Well be prepared for another Ukraine win next year. Excited to see who places #2.

Mariia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jake

We had war for 9 years, get some education.

Jebbiebear
Jebbiebear
1 year ago

Is the EBU sure? are these third party experts correct ? Because our amazing UK government who are the smartest people ever say us that in can be hosted in Ukraine safely with not a single problem next year /s

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  Jebbiebear

Unfortunately, one of the mantras of this wretched UK government is “we’ve had enough of experts.”

West
West
1 year ago
Reply to  Jercel11

That explains a lot…

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
1 year ago

This is getting ridiculous… How does anyone in their normal state of mind can think that hosting Eurovision in Ukraine could be a possibility… As much as I support Ukraine, this posture is not doing them any favors… On UK, the government should be quite and not mingle. The BBC praises itself of being one of the most independent broadcasters. As such, the BBC should be free to make its decisions as it sees fit and not even to someone that might be in the government next May.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago

Well at least someone sees the situation. It is unfortunately for Ukraine but at the moment no European country would reccomend it’s citizen to visit Ukraine and no insurance company would insure you if you choose to visit. And I doubt people are that stupid to simply risk their lives to visit.

Campbell Grace
Campbell Grace
1 year ago

I hope the BBC ignore Boris and his tragic cabinet making comments. The UK would be a fantastic host.

Rifki
Rifki
1 year ago

again, I say, it is the right decision to move the contest somewhither else for 2023. and this second statement makes it even more convincing that the United Kingdom, through the BBC, should better accept the offer by the EBU to host Eurovision in 2023. they have all the resources to do it (mainly the venue), so there is no way they should refuse.

Noel
Noel
1 year ago

I think that whoever hosts it should bring Jamala as hostess and Ruslana as it would show Russia that Europe and Australia will stand by Ukraine no matter what

Rifki
Rifki
1 year ago
Reply to  Noel

Jamala is more suitable to be an interval act, instead of being a host. from the Ukrainian side, there are names more suitable to co-host: Timur Miroshnychenko (ESC 2017, Vidbir 2022), Zlata Ognevich (ESC 2013 representative, JESC 2013 co-host), Maria Efrosinina (ESC 2005, Vidbir 2022) and/or even Kateryna Osadcha (from “Holos Krainy” and the more recent “Embrace Ukraine” show).

Extinguir
Extinguir
1 year ago

So, now, BBC talk clearly or drop the ball. It’s up to you and your desire. If you want it, go forward. If you fear the lack of support of your government, decline it. Also to note that unlike last week, EBU now doesn’t mention discussions with the BBC but a generic “and will continue discussions on finding a suitable location for next year’s ESC”.

What I would like to see more? BBC taking it in Scotland during an independence referendum. The faces of Boris Johnsons & pals… AH!

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Extinguir

Will Boris let them have a referendum?

Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago
Reply to  Extinguir

Some eurofans need to understand they are not entitled to every detail of the EBU discussions.