Following the news earlier that Ukraine are withdrawing from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, both the EBU and UA:PBC have issued statements.

While the EBU hinted, they didn’t mention any repercussions. The EBU issued this statement:

“Each participating broadcaster is responsible for the selection of their act for the Eurovision Song Contest in accordance to the rules set out by the European Broadcasting Union. It is with sadness that the EBU can confirm that Ukraine’s broadcaster UA:PBC has informed the EBU that, following further discussions, they have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. There will be further discussions between the EBU and UA:PBC on this matter but we hope to see them again in 2020. However, for now, we look forward to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic event in Tel Aviv in May.”

The Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, also released this statement:

“The National Selection-2019 revealed and attracted the attention of our society to the systemic problem of the music industry in Ukraine: the connections of artists from the show business in the territory of the aggressor state, which are still very close at the 5th year of the military conflict. For a part of society, this fact is acceptable, in the other part it causes indignation and rejection. The laws of Ukraine do not propose any restrictions on the work of performers and artists on the territory of the Russian Federation despite the large public request to resolve this situation. In the current situation, following the Law on Public Broadcasting, as well as in conditions of excessive politicization of the national selection process, the Public Broadcasting Company decided to refuse to participate in the International Song Contest Eurovision-2019.”

Stay with us here at Eurovision Ireland as this story continues to unfold.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix