The NEW Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group has commenced following the 2025 Contest in Basel and the departure of Bakel Walden.

Ana Maria Bordas has started her role as the Head of the Reference Group and will last for two years, before election for the role takes place again. Ana Maria Bordas had the following to say on the commencement of her new role:

“I hope the new Reference Group will work as a united team for the benefit of all participating members to strengthen and enhance the Eurovision Song Contest.

I look forward to working closely with the organisers of the next festival in Austria to make the 2026 edition special, and with the EBU to contribute new ideas.”

The Reference Group as of June 2025, consists of the following members:

• EBU: Martin Österdahl – EBU Executive Supervisor
• Spain (RTVE): Ana Maria Bordas – Chair of the Reference Group
• Switzerland (SSR SRG): Moritz Stadler – Organiser in 2005
• Sweden (SVT): Ebba Adielsson – Organiser in 2024
• United Kingdom (BBC): Rachel Ashdown – Organiser in 2023
• Denmark (DR): Molly Plank – HoD Representative
• Netherlands (AVROTROS): Claudia van der Pas – HoD Representative
• Portugal (RTP): Carla Bugalho – HoD Representative

Let us know what you think about the Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: escXtra