The European Broadcasting Union, organiser of Europe's favourite TV-show, the Eurovision Song Contest, welcomed Russian Prime Minister Putin's idea to hold a song contest with China and Central Asia. The EBU said that it would be delighted to license Mr Putin the Eurovision Song Contest format.

Last night, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) officially announced the 43 countries that will be represented at the 54th Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia. Most broadcasters already confirmed their participation in the media, but it was Latvia's participation that surprised many, after broadcaster LTV earlier announced publically to pull out from taking part in 2009.