This Tuesday, UA:PBC met with the Eurovision Reference Group and representatives from the EBU, to make sufficient steps toward a Ukrainian hosted 2023 contest.
This news follows a period of confusion over whether Ukraine will actually be able to host Eurovision 2023, and while that is likely to be entirely unclear for a while yet, the EBU now seem committed to making it happen.
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 of UA:PBC
It won’t be without its challenges, as in 2017 when Ukraine hosted, the contest was essentially an unofficial co-production with SVT (Sweden’s broadcaster), and that was without them having to defend against an ongoing invasion. It must be pointed out that even if the Ukrainian army have successfully fought off the Russian aggressors, by next May, a lot of funds will be needed to rebuild Ukraine, and the Eurovision Song Contest may be assumed to be a lower priority.
Nevertheless, UA:PBC’s meeting with the EBU, this week, has made it very clear that it is a top priority for them to host.
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, Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Information Policy
However, an alternative report has been voiced through RTVE’s Jose Manuel Perez Tornero, who has claimed that the EBU have struck a deal with the BBC to co-produce, and potentially host, Eurovision 2023. This is after he concluded that RTVE have resigned to the fact that they will not be invited to host Eurovision 2023.
While the EBU are committed to making a Ukrainian-hosted Eurovision 2023 happen, it is not surprising that, if true, there is a backup plan in place, in case the host city needs to be changed to the UK. It is also worth noting that UA:PBC may need to enter into a co-production with another broadcaster, likely the BBC, to produce the show in Ukraine, as it’s an extremely complex and expensive production, especially for a country rebuilding after recent events.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure, Eurovision 2023 will be a celebration of Ukraine’s victory in Turin and of solidarity with the nation.
