The EBU has given Rotterdam City Council time until 30 April to confirm whether it will agree on hosting Eurovision Song Contest 2021, in other case there will be a new proposal made to other cities of the Netherlands.
Latest political discussions indicate that Rotterdam is likely to agree to the proposal, despite the damage already suffered by the municipality for the cancellation of the 2020 show amounted in 6.7 mln Euros. Such a damage will even further increase, if Rotterdam withdraws. In addition, there have been several large-scale events already booked in Rotterdam Ahoy for April and May 2021 which should then be shifted, but according to Ahoy spokesperson Eurovision remains top priority for the venue.
As for the May 2020, Ahoy has been turned into a temporary care hotel with 82 beds for corona virus patients who can not stay at home but also does not have to go to the hospital. Majority of political groups support Rotterdam’s attempt to host the Eurovision 2021 again, yet they criticize the fact that decision has to be taken now in times of the international uncertainty, when the World Health Organisation confirmed there will be no vaccine for the COVID-19 disease for at least a further 12 months and international travel ban in Europe may not be lifted until it becomes available. “We must make a full-fledged decision now with half the knowledge required, but above all – it is a matter of principle. We have made the choice to hold the song festival in Rotterdam, then we have to go for it in 2021”, says D66 representative.
Labour Party says that there should be some changes made in the agreement as currently Rotterdam and NOS sit with much greater financial risks than the EBU. “It would be nice for this organization to be more accommodating, for example in terms of the distribution of advertising revenues”. The additional 6.7 million Euros of costs, among other things should go for the rent and security of Ahoy, city dressing and the tender for the production of the Eurovision village. These costs could not be recovered from the insurance. City council is expected to reach its final decision on April 23.