Svante Stockselius, member of the EBU reference group, presented a new plan to his colleagues. The successfull format of the Swedish Melodifestival inspired him.

According to Stockselius, the Eurovision Song Contest should get semi-finals. With semi-finals, more than 40 countries can participate and relegation is not possible, because every country is free to send in a song. If the semi-finals should be broadcasted was not clear.

A new system can be used in 2004, because the preparations for the 2003 contest already started. The European Broadcasting Union will take a decision in the autumn, after the new Eurovision Song Contest co-ordinator is known. Christine Marchal, co-ordinator since 1996, decided to quit.