Romania expelled from Eurovision 2016
Romania has been kicked out of EBU – and Eurovision due to unpaid dept to EBU. Romania will now no longer be able to participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2016
Ovidiu Anton won Selecţia Naţională back in March 2016 with the song "Moment of Silence", and was supposed to sing his song in Stockholm. But not anymore. Romania has been kicked out of EBU due to unpaid dept to EBU.
The drastic decision is because the Romanian broadcaster TVR (Televiziunea Română) hasn't paid a debt of 16 million Swiss francs (€14.5 million) to the EBU (European Broadcasting Union).
TVR will now no longer be able to participate in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest and will lose access to other EBU member services including the Eurovision News and Sports News Exchanges, the right to broadcast specific sporting events, legal, technical and research expertise and lobbying services.EBU
The debt has been attempted to be recovered over time, but the lack of success has now led to Romania's representative Ovidiu Anton to stay home from Stockholm this year. He should have represented Romania with the song "Moment of Silence".
EBU director Ingrid Deltenre says: »It is regrettable that we are forced to take this action. We are disappointed that all our attempts to resolve this matter have received no response from the Romanian government.«
»In recent weeks the EBU has taken note of the Ministry of Finance's suggestion that TVR may be placed into insolvency proceedings which may in turn lead to a profound restructuring of the broadcaster.«
»The EBU is a not-for-profit association which represents 73 Public Service Broadcasters in 56 countries. The continued indebtedness of TVR jeopardises the financial stability of the EBU itself.«
Jon Ola Sand: ESC 2016 not negatively affected
Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, says:
»To take an act out at such late stage is of course a little disruptive, but it will not negatively affect the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in any other way (...) It is, of course, disappointing - it's disappointing for the artist, for the fans, and for the viewers in Romania and all over Europe. But we have to stay firm on this decision, and I believe it was the right decision. And then we will have to see for 2017, and onwards, how this situation develops.«
Ovidiu Anton: It's unfair
The 24-year-old singer Ovidiu Anton was originally planned to represent Romania at Eurovision 2016. He confirmed the news on his website: »Dear friends, I have finally received the official communication. I am trying to smile and not get carried away, but it is unfair.«
Romania and Ovidiu Anton was originally planned to perform "Moment of Silence" in the second semi-final on Thursday 12 May, but now only 18 countries will participate in Semi-final 2, just like in Semi-final 1 on Tuesday 10 May.
The running order remains the same.
Romania in Eurovision Song Contest
Romania had its debut in 1994, and has been participating 17 times since. They have never won the contest, but came 3rd in 2005 (Luminita Anghel & Sistem - "Let Me Try") and 2010 (Paula Seling & Ovi - "Playing With Fire").
Romania, along with Greece and Russia have qualified for the Grand Final every single year since the introduction of the semi-finals back in 2004!
EBU STATEMENT
TVR will now no longer be able to participate in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest and will lose access to other EBU member services including the Eurovision News and Sports News Exchanges, the right to broadcast specific sporting events, legal, technical and research expertise and lobbying services.
The decision was made after a deadline given to the Romanian government to make satisfactory arrangements to repay the debt expired.
EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said: "It is regrettable that we are forced to take this action. We are disappointed that all our attempts to resolve this matter have received no response from the Romanian government. In recent weeks the EBU has taken note of the Ministry of Finance's suggestion that TVR may be placed into insolvency proceedings which may in turn lead to a profound restructuring of the broadcaster. The EBU is a not-for-profit association which represents 73 Public Service Broadcasters in 56 countries. The continued indebtedness of TVR jeopardizes the financial stability of the EBU itself."
The EBU regards the Romanian State as legally obliged to underwrite TVR's debt which goes back as far as January 2007.
Since 2010 numerous attempts have been made to restructure the debt owed and payment plans agreed that have not been adhered to. The EBU has written to the Romanian government on four separate occasions this year alone and received no reply.
In a final letter to the Finance Minister of Romania Anca Dragu sent on 15 April the EBU requested a down payment of CHF 10 million to be received in the EBU´s bank account by close of business on Wednesday 20 April 2016. The Union also asked to receive an unconditional and irrevocable bank guarantee for the remaining CHF 6 million, supported by a payment plan by the end of the year.
The deadline was extended until Thursday 21 April but no payment was made.
The EBU has in recent years repeatedly campaigned for a sustainable funding model for TVR and has held several meetings with high level representatives of the State including the Councillor of the President, the Minister of Finance, and Minister of Culture. During these meetings the EBU consistently promoted the value of having a truly independent public service media in Romania that ensures pluralism and contributes to an informed citizenship and the cohesion of the country.
