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Eurovision organizers have explained why they took the decision to exclude Ukraine as host of next year’s edition. They explained that the “serious” risk of airstrikes and the “high” risk of mass casualties were the reason for the decision.
The Ukrainian participation of the Kalush Orchestra won the competition in Turin, Italy this year and according to tradition the winning country should host the event next year. But organizers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said the 2023 editions could not continue in Ukraine.
The UK is being considered a potential host.
On Thursday, the EBU said it fully understood the decision, but said in a statement that the decision was “guided” by its responsibility to ensure the safety of all those involved in the event.
“At least 10,000 people are typically accredited to work on the Eurovision Song Contest, including the crew, staff and journalists. Another 30,000 fans are expected to travel to the event from around the world. Their well-being is our main concernHe said.
He said the festival rules allow the event to be moved “in a situation of force majeure such as an ongoing war”.
He added: We also noted comments made by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that the war in Ukraine “could take years”.
The EBU said no decision had been made on next year’s host country.
Last weekend, Boris Johnson said he hoped Ukraine would still be able to host the event.
Speaking after returning to the UK from a visit to Kiev, he said: “They deserve to have it. I believe they can have it and I believe they should have it.
“I believe Kiev or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to have it.”
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