Eurovision 2023: Decision to Move from Turkey and the Role of Security Considerations
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 would not take place in Turkey. The organization noted that Ukraine, the winning country of the previous year, would host the event. This decision followed discussions among organizers about the safety and feasibility of staging the contest given prevailing conditions in the region.
The EBU stated on June 17 that hosting the competition in Ukraine had become impractical. The escalation of hostilities and the ongoing occupation of parts of the country created a situation in which it would be impossible to guarantee the safe operation of a large international event. The deadline to begin planning needed to be met with confidence in the host country’s ability to support a major broadcast and event operation. The EBU emphasized that safety for staff, participants, and spectators remained the top priority.
Several thousand people are typically accredited to work behind the scenes at Eurovision, including technical crews, press personnel, and journalists, along with tens of thousands of spectators who travel from around the world. The organization highlighted that wellbeing and security of everyone involved are the essential considerations guiding such decisions.
The EBU stressed that decisions about a complex live television event are made by broadcast professionals, not political interests. The Eurovision Song Contest rules allow for changes in venue if force majeure circumstances arise, and the current safety situation clearly falls under that umbrella. The union noted that the safety assessment would influence any future planning and decisions about next year’s edition as well.
A safety survey conducted by the EBU identified risks that could affect immediate event planning. These risks included the potential for airstrikes, drone activity, and missile threats. Ukraine’s own assessment underscored the possibility of significant harm, reinforcing the need for caution in choosing a host location. The EBU also took into account input from security experts and the international security community in making the final call.
Leading security figures, including NATO officials, were consulted to gauge how the conflict might evolve. The general expectation among security experts was that the conflict could extend for years, a factor that weighed heavily in the decision-making process. The EBU therefore concluded that a border-area venue with uncertain environmental infrastructure would not meet the necessary requirements for a successful event.
With these considerations in mind, the EBU moved to secure another country as a potential host and to continue negotiations for a suitable venue for the following year. The aim was to create a stable setup that would support the high standards expected at Eurovision and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all participants and fans.
As a global public service media alliance, the European Broadcasting Union represents more than a hundred organizations across Europe and beyond. The organization confirmed that talks were underway about various options, including the possibility of hosting the contest in the United Kingdom, a nation that had recently staged a memorable edition and is seen as a capable host when a change in plans becomes necessary. The status of the 2023 competition thus reflects a careful balancing act between tradition and safety, with a clear emphasis on protecting people and the event’s integrity.
The Ukrainian ensemble Kalush with the song Stefania had won the previous festival, followed by the British entrant Sam Ryder with Space Man. These results, alongside the evolving security landscape, shaped the conversation around hosting and contributed to the decision to relocate the event to a more secure venue. The organizations involved remain committed to delivering a high-quality contest while prioritizing safety and reliable logistics for all involved.