KOSOVO: EUROVISION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN UNITED NATIONS

Kosovo's Deputy Foreign Minister Petrit Selimi has an intense struggle to get membership of the EBU. "I really think it is an important part of making people feel being part of Europe. ESC is a special way to confirm their identity today, especially in Eastern Europe where the competition is super popular" he says. Kosovo is now making every effort to get a place in the Eurovision Song Contest. But so far, Kosovo has been rejected. Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, but may still not participate in ESC because it is not recognized by the UN nor member of EBU.
But what is the most important -  UN membership or participation in the Eurovision Song Contest? At first he hesitates a little. "I have rarely seen a young man proud of the place in the United Nations. However, we are very proud when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores, or when ABBA wins a contest. So you have these platforms to be proud of their country. I would be extremely disappointed if we did not come with the ESC next year" he says.

One of those who would like to participate is Rina Bilurdagu. A year ago she won the first The Voice of Albania and she is forecast to have a brilliant career in the Balkans. Her goal is to represent Kosovo in the Eurovision Song Contest. "It's a great festival. You get noticed by the world. It would be great if Kosovo could also participate. It would be a chance for us to demonstrate our abilities and our nation" she says and hopes that Kosovo soon gets the green light. And there is no doubt that she would be entering the contest. "I would do my best, my very best. It happens only once in life time" she says.

Last year Kosovar Rona Nishliu sung Suus and brought Albania to its best placing ever, 5th.