Zana Spahiu, the Acting General Director of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), has engaged in significant discussions with key officials from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Eurovision Song Contest. The meeting occurred during the 96th session of the EBU General Assembly. Spahiu reiterated RTK’s strong ambition for full EBU membership and, consequently, participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
RTK pushes for EBU membership and Eurovision participation
During the 96th EBU General Assembly, held recently in Prague, Acting General Director of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), Zana Spahiu, held a pivotal meeting with EBU Deputy Director General Jean Philip De Tender and Eurovision Director Martin Green. The discussions centred on RTK’s ongoing application for EBU membership and the potential for Kosovo to finally debut in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Spahiu conveyed RTK’s unwavering commitment to joining the European broadcasting family, emphasising that “the time has come for RTK to be part of the EBU and for Kosovo to have the opportunity to be presented at Eurovision.” She highlighted that RTK has already demonstrated its organisational, professional, and creative capabilities, particularly through its national Song Festival, Festivali i Këngës në RTK, which has been successfully organised for three consecutive years with the aim of serving as the country’s future Eurovision selection.
EBU representatives reportedly expressed willingness to discuss further avenues for RTK’s membership, taking into account recent developments within the organisation. The 96th General Assembly notably approved amendments to the EBU Statute, including the creation of new membership categories like ‘Auxiliary Membership’. This new category is designed for broadcasting organisations that serve a large autonomous linguistic community and whose participation brings value to the EBU, potentially offering an additional pathway for RTK.
Kosovo has long aspired to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, with RTK holding observer status at the EBU since 2013. Full EBU membership is generally a prerequisite for Eurovision participation, and the main obstacle has been Kosovo’s unique international status, as EBU statutes typically require a national broadcaster’s country to be a member of either the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or the Council of Europe. However, Spahiu stressed that music, culture, and sport should unite people rather than become political issues, advocating for Kosovo’s artistic inclusion.
RTK remains determined to pursue all necessary institutional and professional steps towards securing its place within the EBU and, ultimately, on the Eurovision stage. The public broadcaster believes that with continued work, patience, and coordination, the moment is opportune to advance this crucial issue.
Zana Spahiu says:
RTK has already proven its organizational, professional and creative capacity, especially through the Song Festival, which has been successfully organized for three consecutive years. This festival was built with high standards and with the clear aim of serving as a platform for Kosovo’s representation in Eurovision in the future.
Zana adds:
We believe that the time has come for RTK to be part of the EBU and for Kosovo to have the opportunity to be represented at Eurovision through the Song Festival. Kosovo’s participation in Eurovision should not become part of daily politics or hostage to political interpretations. Music, art and sport should serve as bridges of communication and cooperation between peoples.
Zana concludes:
RTK will continue its institutional and professional commitment to follow all necessary steps towards membership in the EBU and Kosovo’s participation in Eurovision. We are convinced that this process requires work, patience and coordination, but we also believe that the moment to move this issue forward is now.
