The European Broadcasting Union has maintained its position regarding Eurovision 2023, underscoring that the event could not be staged in Ukraine due to ongoing conflict and safety concerns. In recent days, Kyiv’s government signaled that hosting the festival would not be feasible in the current climate, citing disruptions and political strain as reasons to relocate the venue to another region. The EBU noted that such a decision aims to protect participants, crew, and audiences, emphasizing that the core goal remains delivering a seamless, secure, and high-quality competition.
The organization stated on its official channels that it understands the disappointment that accompanies not hosting in the winning country this year. It stressed that safety preparations and event planning must switch into urgent, concrete action in the chosen host nation to ensure everyone involved can participate with confidence. The EBU repeated that the issue should not become a political matter, but rather a practical response to present-day realities and logistical requirements. (Source: BBC)
Beyond safety, the EBU highlighted several practical challenges that influence the decision. A comprehensive security assessment had to be completed, with concerns about the possibility of drone or missile threats that could endanger attendees and staff. The organization described the available security measures as insufficient for a contest of Eurovision’s scale, noting the priority is to minimize risk while maintaining event integrity. (Source: BBC)
Another critical point involved the willingness of delegations and participants to travel to the host country. The EBU indicated that travel and accommodation arrangements would need to accommodate a diverse international audience, and the current conditions in Ukraine posed obstacles to broad participation. It also suggested that hosting could be considered in a nearby country if infrastructure and venue standards could meet Eurovision requirements. (Source: BBC)
In the days following the announcement, discussions with potential hosts moved forward. The EBU indicated an intention to engage in talks with the United Kingdom’s broadcasting ecosystem to explore possibilities for Eurovision 2023. The BBC emerged as a leading candidate, given its capacity to deliver a world-class production and its extensive experience hosting major events. Public statements from political leaders underscored the sentiment that Ukraine, as the winning nation, should have the opportunity to host if conditions permit, while recognizing the need for a safe and well-supported setting. (Source: BBC)
As the process unfolded, supporters of the Ukrainian bid advocated for a solution that would honor the winner while ensuring the festival did not compromise safety or logistics. The broader audience, both domestically and internationally, watched closely as organizers, broadcasters, and officials weighed the risks and benefits of alternative venues. The outcome would aim to preserve Eurovision’s spirit of unity and celebration while adapting to evolving realities on the ground. (Source: BBC)