Despite winning the Eurovision Song Contest one week ago, preparations are already in full swing in Ukraine as they aim to host next year’s Contest.
“I hope Eurovision will be held in a peaceful Ukraine”
Speaking following Kalush Orchestra’s win in Turin, Mykola Chernotytskyi – Head of the Managing Board at Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC – said their victory showed Ukraine’s place in Europe. Going on, he also congratulated the Ukrainian delegation for their representation of the country on a world stage.
“I want to congratulate everyone on this victory. It is so great that Ukraine has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time, that we are joining the European family as much as possible. I am very grateful to Kalush Orchestra and its frontman, Oleh Psiuk, for doing their best to prepare and perform in this difficult time.
I am infinitely grateful to Oksana Skybinska, the head of our delegation from Suspilne, who also withstood all these burdens and arranged all organizational things to make our presentation at the Eurovision Song Contest at the highest level”
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of Managing Board at UA:PBC
Security concerns taken seriously
Mr Chernotytskyi added that any potential concerns delegations may have regarding security would be carefully listened to. It comes as the war in Ukraine against neighbouring Russia continues to deepen. Speaking at the Ukraine Media Press Centre, the UA:PBC head went on:
“We are doing our best, and I hope that the state will also support us in holding the Eurovision Song Contest here. I hope that the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in peaceful Ukraine. However, I am saying once again that the security factor is important and the final decision will be taken together with the European Broadcasting Union. It will be a difficult negotiation, I am already sure of that.
However, let me remind you that even in 2017, when the Eurovision Song Contest took place in Kyiv, there was quite a big discussion. For example, then Ukraine pledged the so called financial guarantee of 15 million euros. In case something suddenly goes wrong, another country would hold the competition with these funds. Therefore, this issue is much more complex than just a wish. I am convinced that we need to do all our best so that the Eurovision Song Contest should take place in Ukraine.”
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of Managing Board at UA:PBC
Other countries offer to co-host with Ukraine
As UA: PBC continues to prepare to host Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine, other broadcasters are putting proposals forward to host the show in a more secure setting.
Should the EBU decide that conditions in Ukraine are too treacherous to host the show, international co-host bids from Sweden, Spain, Poland, Italy, Iceland and the Netherlands could be considered. As mentioned by Mr Chernotytskyi, whoever hosts the Contest will use funds allocated by the Ukrainian government to put the show together.
However, from Friday (May 20th), UA:PBC announced it would be in constant dialogue with the EBU regarding the status of the show’s location and would adapt their preparations accordingly.
Ukraine’s Eurovision journey
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country has scored eight top-five placements, with an extra three top-ten finishes. Ukraine won the Contest in 2004 with Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” and again in 2016 with Jamala’s “1944”. Jamala’s win made history for Ukraine, as it became the first ex-Soviet country to win the Contest more than once.
In 2022, Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine in the 66th edition of the Contest with their song “Stefania”. The band scored 631 points, finishing in first place, marking Ukraine’s third victory.
What do you make of the preparations Ukraine are making to host Eurovision 2023? If Ukraine can’t host, where would you like to see host the Contest next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as we begin the road to Eurovision 2023!
News Source: UA: PBC
Photo Credit: EBU / Corrine Cumming
I do not want to make any predications about ESC23 at this time. If Ukraine cannot host, I think Poland (proximity) or the UK (ESC22 runner ups) should hold.