DO EU STILL QUALIFY?
How is the UK able to enter the Eurovision Song Contest after Brexit?
As a major TV partner, the UK has historically been guaranteed a place in the grand final every year
MILLIONS of Brits settle down to enjoy the seasonal spectacular as an sensational selection of singers takes to the stage to represent their countries at Eurovision.
Some people are unsure of why the UK can still enter the continent's premier Song Contest following Brexit — here's everything you need to know.
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Some music fans were worried that the UK would not be allowed to enter the Eurovision Song Contest after Brexit.
This is despite the fact that many non-EU countries take part in the singing competition including Russia, Israel and Australia.
As a major TV partner, Britain is guaranteed a place in the grand final each year.
Before the referendum vote, former Prime Minister David Cameron reassured fans of the show that the country would still be competing in the contest.
During PMQs he told MPs: “I think that would not only be very sad but I think given that Israel and Azerbaijan and anyone anywhere near Europe seems to be able to – (even) Australia – I think we're pretty safe from that one.”
The president of the UK Eurovision fan club, Alasdair Rendall, also told fans Britain's place is not under threat.
He said: “No, we would not be barred. All participating countries must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union.
“The EBU, which is totally independent of the EU, includes countries both inside and outside of the EU, and also includes countries such as Israel that are outside of Europe.
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“Indeed, the UK started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957, 16 years before joining the then EEC.”
And Theresa May put everyone’s mind at rest when she said the country would not be dropping out of the popular contest.
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The other former prime said the UK would still be a part of the Eurovision Song Contest after Brexit.
Asked if Britain would leave Eurovision during the 2017 General Election campaign, she replied: "No.”
However she did admit that the UK's decision to pull out of the European Union might cause problems for our entry.
Mrs May joked: “Although in current circumstances I'm not sure how many votes we'll get.”
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Why the UK can still enter Eurovision
The UK’s continued participation in Eurovision following Brexit is a subject that often prompts confusion, largely due to misconceptions about the contest’s relationship with the EU.
In reality, Brexit has not affected the UK’s eligibility to compete in Eurovision in the slightest.
The reasons for this are rooted in the structure and rules of the contest itself.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the Eurovision Song Contest isn't run by the European Union, nor is it restricted to EU member states.
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Instead, Eurovision is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is a separate entity entirely.
The EBU is a collective of public service media organisations, with its membership extending far beyond the borders of the EU.
For example, countries including Norway, Switzerland and Iceland are not EU members, but are Eurovision regulars.
Even nations geographically outside Europe, such as Israel and Australia, have been invited to compete due to their broadcasters’ EBU membership and do so regularly.
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Eligibility for the Eurovision Song Contest is determined by EBU membership, not EU membership.
The BBC is one of the founding members of the EBU, as well as one of its most prominent, so as long as the BBC remains an active member of the EBU, which it has been since the organisation’s inception, the UK is entitled to participate in Eurovision.
The EBU’s rules state that any active member broadcaster from countries within the European Broadcasting Area, as defined by the International Telecommunication Union, or from a member state of the Council of Europe, can participate.
Selection process
The process by which the UK selects its Eurovision entry is managed entirely by the BBC.
Over the years, this has ranged from televised national competitions to internal selections involving music industry professionals.
The method of selection is at the discretion of the broadcaster and is not influenced by the UK’s status in the EU or any other political body.
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