Eurovision 2008 Belgrade

The preparations for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, capitol of Serbia, continue as planned, the European Broadcasting Union says in an official statement tonight.

After escalations during protests in Belgrade, following Kosovo’s declaration of independence, media have speculated that the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest would be moved to another country.

European Broadcasting Union official statement

The European Broadcasting Union has of course closely been following the recent development in Serbia and has been in close contact with the organizers of Host Broadcaster RTS. We concluded that the recent irregularities in Belgrade will not cause any delays in the planning of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, or complications during the event in May. The EBU has no plans to move the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest from Belgrade. Having complete understanding for all the concerns, RTS will obtain a security guarantee from the government of Serbia regarding a complete and absolute safety of all participants and visitors of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade.

The EBU is giving its full support and trust to RTS in producing a successful Eurovision Song Contest in May.

Bjørn Erichsen, Director of Eurovision TV
Svante Stockselius, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor
European Broadcasting Union

After this official statement from EBU, 2008 Eurovision Song Contest Executive Producer Sandra Šuša (RTS) stated to media that the preparations for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade are not in danger.

The two Semi-Finals of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 20th and 22nd of May, the Final on the 24th of May.