The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 became the second edition to be held since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. It also happened in the midst of inflation and rising food and electricity prices.
Despite a historic victory, this year's competition has brought with it a certain melancholy. Several countries are pulling out – economic reasons. Some countries have even withdrawn from the competition due to the cost. But at the same time, the basic concept is that the competition should unite through music.