The British Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC and other international broadcasters will not allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to video message the final of the Eurovision 2023 music contest. The Times writes about it with reference to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
According to an EBU spokesperson, “this is an international variety show” has been operating within strict rules and principles set since its inception. For him, the “apolitical nature” of competition is “one of the cornerstones”.
“This policy prohibits the possibility of using political or similar expressions during the competition. Zelensky’s request to address the Eurovision Song Contest audience with all commendable intentions is unfortunately unacceptable as it would be against the rules of the event, the EBU representative said.
The publication noted that this is not the first time that the Ukrainian president has been denied the opportunity to make a video message during major cultural or sporting events. For example, in March, the organizers of the Oscar film award for the second year in a row did not allow Zelensky to address the audience and guests of the award ceremony.
The Eurovision 2023 final will be played on 13 May at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. In the final, where 26 countries will compete, the host country England, the winner of the previous competition Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Italy and France will make it to the final.
Russia does not participate in Eurovision 2023.
formerly Zelensky promise To do everything so that the Eurovision Song Contest will one day be held in Mariupol.