In this evening’s official press conference with representatives from the European Broadcasting Union and 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest host broadcaster BTRC, the question on everyone’s lips was asked to Jon Ola Sand once again: Will Kazakhstan be allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?

“No representatives” for Kazakhstan in Eurovision 2019

Asked the question by a representative from Kazakh broadcaster Khabar TV, EBU Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, explained the following:

For 2019, there will be no participation for Kazakhstan at the Eurovision Song Contest. It will be discussed with Khabar Agency, the EBU and the Reference Group. It is possible to make exceptions for non-EBU [full] members as Kazakhstan is, but for the time being there is no participation. Jon Ola Sand, 23 November 2018

Additionally, Belarusian broadcaster BTRC pledged support to Kazakhstan for their application to take part in the adult contest.

This answer therefore adds further clarification to the comments made in the BTRC online press conference with Sand earlier this week. Indeed, Sand has reiterated that Kazakhstan will have “no representatives” in Tel Aviv next year.



Nothing ruled out beyond 2019

The prospect of a Kazakh debut in the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest has not been ruled out. Instead, it will be discussed by the EBU, Khabar TV and the governing body of the contest, the Reference Group, in the coming months.

What do you make of these developments? Let us know @ESCXTRA!