EurovisionLiverpool 2023🇺🇦 Ukraine

UA:PBC and Ukraine government begin talks with the EBU over Eurovision 2023

Discussions were held over safety and security concerns, as well as possible host cities

In a recent press release, Ukrainian national broadcaster UA:PBC along with the Ukrainian government, have published details of talks held with the EBU Reference Group over proposals to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

Ukraine submit proposal to host Eurovision 2023

After winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in May with Kalush Orchestra and ‘Stefania’, much speculation has surrounded who will host the contest in 2023. Usually the winning broadcaster has first refusal on the rights to host the next edition. However, due to potential safety and security concerns amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, several other broadcasters have also stated their interest in hosting. These include – AVROTROS (The Netherlands), TVP (Poland), RVTE (Spain), and BBC (United Kingdom).

One of the conditions of Eurovision participation, is presenting a host nation proposal in the event of possible victory. So in light of recent rumours, UA:PBC have published a press release reiterating their commitment to hosting Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine. This includes details of the official Kick-Off meeting held with the EBU Reference Group, EBU core team members and Eurovision Song Contest partners, yesterday. During the meeting, discussions focused on preparations for 2023, as well as a security questionnaire and potential host city locations.

Security of the contest

All safety and security related measures have to be prepared and implemented in close cooperation with the national authorities. So we held consultations with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (National Police, State Emergency Service, National Guard) and the Ministry of Defense. Their experts together with security and risk assessment units of UA: PBC prepared common vision of the security situation and measures to be taken for the hosting of Eurovision next year. We thank the state authorities for their involvement and prompt preparation.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, (Head of the Managing Board, UA:PBC).

Host city locations

Yesterday we submitted a presentation of the questionnaire for the hosting of Eurovision in Ukraine to the European Broadcasting Union. Within a very short timeframe, the governmental team managed to provide thorough and comprehensive answers. Everybody worked in a very efficient and coordinated manner – from the public broadcaster and security authorities to the Prime Minister who assured with a letter that all the obligations that we have assumed will be fulfilled. We gave detailed answers regarding security questions and other organisation nuances, proposed several venues. I believe that we should have exhaustive, clear and honest answers to questions – that is what we did. We understand that in the current circumstances both we and the EBU face a challenge of organising Eurovision in Ukraine. But we have accepted this challenge and, I am sure, we will surprise everyone.

Oleksandr Tkachenko, (Minister of Culture and Information Policy).

In a recent press conference Oleksandr stated the contest should be held in Ukraine. Following the aftermath of victory, President Zelensky announced Ukraine will host. Meanwhile, capital city Kyiv is the first city to present their intention to host. In addition, on 10 June the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine established the Organizational Committee for preparation and execution of the Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine in 2023.

Ukraine does have previous experience in hosting the contest. Already they have hosted the 2005 and 2017 editions. As well as hosting two editions of the Junior Song Contest in 2009 and 2013.

Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest

Ukraine made their Eurovision debut back in 2003. First to fly the country’s flag at the contest was Oleksandr Ponomariov who finished 14th with his entry ‘Hasta la vista‘. Despite the underwhelming start, Ukraine didn’t have to wait long to achieve good results. In fact, in 2004 Ruslana triumphed in Istanbul with her charismatic entry ‘Wild Dances‘. Ukraine also won the contest in 2016 with Jamala and her entry ‘1944‘. Besides their two victories, Ukraine also placed second twice in 2007 and 2008 and third in 2013.

Earlier this year, Kalush Orchestra became the latest act to represent Ukraine following the withdrawal of Alina Pash. During the Grand Final in Turin, they broke the televote record with 439 points out of a maximum 468. Overall they achieved a landslide victory over second place United Kingdom, with 631 points in total. Furthermore, Ukraine is still the only country that has a 100% qualification record for the Grand Final.

Do you want the contest to return to Ukraine? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2023 Eurovision season.

One Comment

  1. I honestly I can\’t see it happening, with all the will in the world the broadcaster and the EBU can\’t foresee the future. No one knows what the situation in Ukraine will be next year.

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