Ukraine May Ask Europe to Pay for Next Year’s Eurovision

The Minister of Culture Evgeny Nyschuk suggested that Ukraine should draw upon European investors to provide funding for next year’s Eurovision song contest in Kiev.

Eurovision-2017 is to be held in Ukraine. While the budget of the event amounts to a mind-blowing tens of thousands of dollars, the country on the verge of default is considering asking Europe for help.

According to the minister, the state budget will not cover the organization of the event.

"We need to bring in European experts, for Stockholm has set a high standard." the minister told Ukrinform, a local media outlet. "This standard requires tremendous financial injection."

He added that the Ministry of Culture, state authorities, national TV companies and specialists from the team of this year's winner Jamala will be responsible for preparations.

"It is important for the image of Ukraine to organize the show properly," Nyschuk said. "We need to show that it is safe to travel here and that one can invest In Ukraine".

The grand finale of the international song contest took place Sunday night in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm. Jamala won with the song "1944."

The second spot was occupied by Australia's Dami Im, who performed the song "Sound of Silence."

Sergei Lazarev, who presented Russia in the contest, was leading the polls in Europe in the run-up and eventually took third place with his song "You Are the Only One."

Eurovision is considered the world's biggest entertainment show. For the first time ever, the grand finale was aired in the US.