Eurovision Song Contest: Burgas 2027
Czechia has confirmed that it has pulled out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest for budgetary reasons.
The country first took part in the contest in 2007 and – save for five years from 2010 to 2014 – has participated every year since, delivering a best finish of sixth place in 2018 with Mikolas Josef.
Earlier this year Daniel Zizka finished 16th in Vienna in a performance that was controversially affected by several technical issues.
Explaining the decision not to compete in 2027, public broadcaster CT said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a large-scale project with significant programming, production and organisational demands. In view of the budget adjustments currently underway, Česká televize has decided not to take part in the 2027 contest.
“The decision applies to the 2027 edition. We evaluate each edition of the contest separately, so we do not wish to speculate at this time on when Česká televize will rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest.”
A statement from the EBU said: “We regret that Česká televize will not be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 because of the financial pressures they are facing. We completely understand that broadcasters are having to make difficult choices, and we recognize the severe challenges facing many of our members.
“This decision reflects the broader financial pressure on public service media. Across our membership, broadcasters are working with constrained budgets and significant cuts, while costs rise and pressures mount. The Eurovision Song Contest is one part of that wider picture, and every broadcaster has to weigh its own priorities.
“The EBU continues to work closely with its members to support public service media.
“We very much hope that Česká televize will return to the contest when circumstances allow. They will always be welcome.”
The 2027 contest will mark the debut of Canada in the competition, as well as the returns of North Macedonia and the Netherlands after five years and one year respectively. Iceland and the Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, have confirmed that they will boycott the contest for a second consecutive year due to Israel’s continued participation.
