The Eurovision Song Contest remains governed by a clear set of rules that emphasize its apolitical character. In a recent briefing, the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that major international broadcasters, including the BBC, will not allow a video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Eurovision 2023 final. The Times reported this stance, noting the EBU’s adherence to established principles that shape the competition from its early days.
According to an EBU spokesperson, Eurovision operates as an international variety show built on strict guidelines that uphold the event’s apolitical nature. The spokesperson described this principle as a foundational cornerstone of the contest, guiding how participants may engage with audiences and how messages are presented from the stage or via media channels.
Specifically, the policy bars political or similar expressions during the competition. While Zelensky’s intent to address viewers and fans around the world is understandable to many, the EBU representative stated that such an address would breach the rules governing the event, and therefore cannot be accommodated.
This pattern is not isolated to Eurovision. The Times observed that Zelensky has faced similar refusals at other major cultural and sporting events. For instance, Oscar organizers did not permit a presidential address to the audience during the film awards, marking a continued emphasis on keeping these events non-political in nature.
The Eurovision 2023 final is scheduled for May 13 and will take place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. The lineup includes 26 participating countries, with the United Kingdom as the host nation. Ukraine, the winner of the previous edition, and other strong contenders such as Germany, Spain, Italy, and France are expected to compete in the final round.
Russia is not participating in Eurovision 2023, reducing the field by one traditionally active participant. The event continues to attract a broad audience across Europe and beyond, showcasing a mix of musical styles, performances, and cultural exchange that are central to the competition’s appeal.
In related developments, Zelensky has publicly expressed a broader aim regarding Eurovision. He has voiced a long-term ambition for the contest to someday be hosted in Mariupol, a city that has featured prominently in discussions about resilience and recovery within Ukraine. This sentiment highlights the symbolic importance of Eurovision as a platform for national identity and cultural expression, even as the event maintains its apolitical stance for the duration of the competition itself.