Is the EBU capable of making a change?

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has opened their debate, but a shocking development began during roll call. A large majority of the delegates stated that they were only present. The only broadcasters stating that they were present and voting being Spain (RTVE), Ireland (RTÉ), Sweden (SRT), and Armenia (ARMTV). Notably countries who have previously held strong positions have not committed themselves to voting on any possible resolution. The most startling two being the Netherlands(NPO) and Israel (KAN). The NPO should be a relentless supporter of pushing comprehensive reforms for the EBU. While KAN is a strong believer that there is no need to change the existing EBU rules. This could leave onlookers doubting the delegate’s commitment to reaching a productive resolution. AVROTROS had hoped that staunch supporters of reform would declare themselves more openly towards this goal, as after the last Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) the problems of the institution became very clear.

Following this interesting roll call the EBU moved into opening speeches. Most of the delegates used their opening speeches to emphasize the need for more transparency within the EBU and the ESC. Notably the delegate of KAN stated that there was no need for change and that the EBU should not be forced to change by “unruly” members. KAN seemed rather alone in their stance as the other delegations all expressed that there was a need for change within the EBU though opinions on this future varied. Broadcasters like NPO, RTÉ, and Iceland (RÚV) stated the need for more transparency in EBU as well as more diversity in the executive board. The delegate of the RÚV expressed the urgency of the issue by stating, “The ESC is broken, we (the EBU) are broken.” The proposal for more diversity in the executive board could make their decision making more inclusive and fair.

The call for continued political neutrality was also important to many delegations, especially Italy (RAI), who mentioned the topic in every speech. However the definition of political neutrality remains unclear as delegations seem to have different understandings of this issue. Both the Ukraine (SU) and ARMTV stated that aggressors in geopolitical conflicts should be suspended, while other delegations took a more relaxed approach to the question of what constitutes a suspension. Azerbaijan (İCTİ/İTV) stated that the EBU has strayed from their traditional political neutrality do to western countries reportedly abusing their suspension rights. The delegate of  İCTİ/İTV expressed they would like the EBU to become more apolitical and stated their goal of  to “make the Eurovision song contest great again.”

As the debate continues delegates will have to differentiate between suspension of the EBU and ESC. They will also need to discuss how and to which extent they would like to change the rules and expand transparency.