The EBU has appointed Gert Kark as the new Eurovision General Supervisor, succeeding Martin Österdahl, and joining the influential Reference Group shaping contest decisions
Gert Kark has been officially appointed as a member of the Eurovision Song Contest’s Reference Group, replacing Martin Österdahl, who stepped down from his role as General Supervisor of the competition.
Who is Gert Kark?
Kark is no stranger to the EBU, serving as a television project manager within the organization. He was also involved as a project manager in multiple editions of Junior Eurovision and is a member of its steering group.
The Role and Significance of the Reference Group
The Reference Group functions as Eurovision’s “engine room” – the body overseeing, guiding, and making strategic decisions for the competition. Among its responsibilities are supervising production, selecting and approving host cities, updating rules, managing crises, handling the budget, and ensuring cultural diversity, fairness, and transparency in voting.
For Israel, the proper functioning of the Reference Group is crucial – both from a competitive standpoint and when political controversies, professional rules, or questions of equal representation arise. A recent appointment of an openly anti-Israel chairperson alongside a composition partly made up of members from countries openly critical of Israel may indicate a more critical stance toward Israel’s participation in the future.
Could Kark’s Appointment Change Israel’s Future in Eurovision?
Among Eurovision fans in Israel, Österdahl’s departure is widely viewed as worrisome. Throughout his tenure, he became a central figure consistently defending Israel’s participation, even in the face of growing political pressure and boycott calls from various European actors.
Since Gert Kark is not directly associated with harsh positions against Israel, it can be assumed that he will maintain a neutral course, placing the leadership of the contest above political disputes. This approach may help ensure Israel’s continued place in Eurovision despite intensifying international pressures.
Eurovision 2025: The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held in Basel, Switzerland on May 13th, 15th, and 17th. This was Switzerland’s third time hosting, last in Lausanne in 1989. The contest venue, “St. Jakobshalle”, accommodates 12,400 spectators. For the first time, Basel hosted Eurovision.
