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EBU to begin discussions with BBC over hosting Eurovision 2023

The EBU said it made the decision given the current circumstances, and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organise and produce Eurovision

The European Broadcasting Union is to enter talks with the BBC over hosting 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest.

In a statement, the EBU said it had been exploring options with Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC following Kalush Orchestra’s victory last month.

Following a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues, the EBU said it has concluded that, “given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organise and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.”

The host country usually has 12 months to prepare for the show.

As a result, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU said it will now begin discussions with the BBC, as 2022’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts,” added the EBU.