Eurovision 2023 will not be held in Ukraine. This was announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on its website.
“The EBU fully understands the disappointment caused by the announcement that the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 cannot be held in Ukraine, this year's winning country. The decision was dictated by the obligation of the EBU to ensure that conditions are met to guarantee the safety of all workers and participants in the event, planning for which must begin immediately in the host country.”
The report also notes that usually at least 10 thousand people are accredited to work at Eurovision, including the film crew, employees and journalists. Also, about 30 thousand fans from all over the world come to the event. The competition rules clearly state that the event may be rescheduled in force majeure situations such as an ongoing war, the EBU added.
In addition, the union referred to the fact that, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, delegations and participants are reluctant to come to the country. The text contains a comment by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the war in Ukraine "could last for years."
“Taking all this into account, the EBU regretfully decided to move the event to another country and will continue to discuss the issue of finding a suitable venue for Eurovision next year. We look forward to further collaboration with our Ukrainian member UA:PBC on all of these issues.”
Earlier it became known that Ukraine in 2023 will not be able to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The issue of holding a competition in the UK is being considered.
According to the results of voting by the audience and the jury this year, the participants from Ukraine scored 631 points. Moreover, it was the audience votes that became decisive: the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra received 439 points out of 480.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the winners on his Instagram: “Our courage amazes the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe it won't be the last. We will do everything so that one day the participants and guests of Eurovision will be hosted by Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful, rebuilt!” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also congratulated the Ukrainians. “This is a vivid reflection not only of your talent, but also of your unwavering support for your fight for freedom,” he wrote on Twitter.
The second and third places were taken by Great Britain and Spain. Russia was not allowed to compete because of the war in Ukraine.
