MRT Reviews Eurovision 2026 Participation
North Macedonia's national broadcaster, Macedonian Radio Television (MRT), has not yet confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The broadcaster stated that its involvement in the upcoming contest remains under careful review, with a decision pending a comprehensive assessment of various factors.
Factors Under Consideration
According to MRT, the decision-making process involves a thorough evaluation of several key aspects. These include financial and production capabilities, an assessment of the concept for selecting the country's representative, and the overall performance strategy. Past experiences and results from previous contests will also play a significant role in shaping the final verdict. Public interest has also been noted, with citizens requesting MRT to reconsider its participation, citing the contest as a valuable platform for promoting North Macedonia, its musicians, and cultural identity.
Recent History of Non-Participation
North Macedonia last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022. The nation subsequently withdrew from both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the contest. The primary reasons cited for these withdrawals were financial difficulties, the prevailing energy crisis, and increased registration fees. For 2024, MRT also indicated a focus on celebrating significant anniversaries for North Macedonian radio and television. The country's best result to date came in 2019, when Tamara Todevska finished seventh with her song 'Proud', winning the jury vote.
Eurovision 2026 Context and Deadlines
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria. The semi-finals are set for May 12 and 14, 2026, with the Grand Final on May 16, 2026. While the initial application deadline for broadcasters was September 15, 2025, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has extended the deadline for withdrawal without financial penalty to mid-December 2025. This extension is partly to accommodate discussions among EBU members regarding the participation of Israel. MRT has not announced a specific timeline for its decision but emphasized that it will aim to serve the long-term interests of both the institution and North Macedonia's cultural visibility.
6 Comments
Muchacho
Absolutely, we need to be back! Great platform for our culture.
Bermudez
The extended deadline offers more time for a thoughtful decision, which is positive. Still, the underlying issues of cost and a strong selection concept remain, and they won't disappear with extra time.
Africa
Eurovision brings our country global visibility. It's worth the investment.
Mariposa
The public wants it. Time for MRT to listen and participate.
Leonardo
It's good that MRT is carefully reviewing all factors, including public interest. Yet, they must prioritize the long-term financial health over short-term cultural exposure that strains resources.
Donatello
Too expensive. Focus on domestic issues, not international glitz.