The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place
today. For some countries the results tonight are incredibly important. One
example is Georgia, a country keen to promote itself on the world stage. Part
of the process of constructing “the nation” involves establishing the state
within the wider geopolitical context. For a small country participation in
events like the Eurovision Song Contest offer an opportunity to do exactly
this.
Earlier this week I attended a reception with the Georgian
Ambassador here in Sweden who spoke about the importance of events such as
Eurovision for promoting the country. This wasn’t the usual affair with free
wine, food and banal chat. This was a Georgian cultural afternoon where the
Ambassador presented for 20 minutes about Georgia and the importance to them of
European integration. For years the Estonian government have been advising the
Georgians on reform and it is clear from speaking to them that this is a
country which is hungry for recognition as a full and equal European partner.
What’s this got to do with Eurovision though? Well smaller,
lesser known countries have few opportunities to punch above their weight. As
the Irish showed in the 1990s, Eurovision gives host countries the chance to
say something to the world and on their own terms. The publicity gained from
winning and staging the contest could not be bought. What’s interesting is that
with Georgia, it is mere participation in this event which is important to
them. It’s not just smaller, lesser known countries which use Eurovision as a
promotional opportunity. Some use it as an exercise in public diplomacy.
Greece, on its knees financially and yet still continues to participate in
Eurovision. Failure to take part would effectively present an image of the
country as a poor relative of the EBU. Last night the Greeks performed their
song at the Euro Café here in Malmö. Before doing so they performed the Turkish
entry from 2004 before announcing “Turkey should be here in Eurovision”. This
is hugely significant and a reflection of the progress the Greeks and Turks
have made in terms of their relationship. Eurovision offers an opportunity to
further international relations and I think this is what makes it just that
little bit more than a TV show.
Good luck to all the participants tonight!
