Court Orders Sale of BHRT Real Estate to Settle Debts with EBU

The long-standing saga of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s debt and non-participation in Eurovision may soon reach its conclusion. The Municipal Court in Sarajevo has ordered the sale of BHRT’s assets to settle the debt owed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The sale is scheduled for 25 September 2024, marking a potential turning point for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to the competition.

The Debt Dispute

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been absent from Eurovision since 2016 due to financial disputes with the EBU. The EBU filed a lawsuit against Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovina (BHRT) in 2016, claiming a debt of 12,198,170.70 KM (approximately 6.2 million euros). This amount covered annual membership fees and individual broadcast rights for sports and other events.

In 2018, the Municipal Court ruled that BHRT must pay the principal debt of 9,853,998.05 KM (approximately 5 million euros) plus interest. BHRT’s subsequent appeal was dismissed, and the ruling was upheld. In 2022, the court ordered the valuation and sale of BHRT’s properties to settle the debt, which, including accrued interest, now totals 16,360,851.18 KM (approximately 8.3 million euros).

The valuation of nine BHRT properties has been completed, with a total value of 165,564,697.20 KM (approximately 83.4 million euros). Despite BHRT’s appeal against the execution order, the sale will proceed, potentially adjusting the debt amount based on the appeal outcome. The scheduled sale on 25 September 2024 could resolve the financial impasse and allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to rejoin Eurovision.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eurovision: A Brief History

Bosnia and Herzegovina debuted at Eurovision in 1993 during a turbulent period marked by war. Muhamed Fazlagić Fazla risked his life to represent the country in Ireland with the song «Sva bol svijeta,» a powerful symbol of resilience.

The country’s best result came in 2006 when Hari Mata Hari’s «Lejla» secured third place with 229 points. This emotional ballad remains a highlight in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Eurovision history.

The last participation was in 2016, with Deen, Dalal Midhat, Ana Rucner, and Jala Brat performing «Ljubav je.» Despite their efforts, Bosnia and Herzegovina have been absent from the competition since, primarily due to financial constraints.

Looking Ahead

With the court-ordered sale of BHRT’s properties, there is hope for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to Eurovision. The end of this debt saga could see the country back on the Eurovision stage, bringing its unique musical heritage to a global audience once more. Fans and artists alike are eagerly awaiting a resolution that would allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in the world’s biggest music competition again.

Source: Klix.ba