Czechia pulls out of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

Czechia will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing financial difficulties, budget cuts and high production costs, public broadcaster Česká Televize (ČT) said, according to ERR. The broadcaster also does not plan to air the contest next year, but said the country could return in the future.

ČT announced its decision on social media on Tuesday. Eurovision director Martin Green said he regretted the withdrawal and understood that broadcasters faced difficult choices and serious challenges.

Czech television and radio are expected to face budget cuts following a planned law change that would end the country’s current system of broadcasting fees.

Czechia has competed in Eurovision 14 times. After modest results, it withdrew for several years before returning in 2015.

Czechia is the third country to announce it will not participate in the 2027 contest. Ireland and Iceland have also said they will withdraw in protest at Israel’s participation. Both countries boycotted the 2026 contest.

Spain’s participation in 2027 remains undecided. The country also stayed out of this year’s contest over Israel’s participation. The president of Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has proposed continuing the boycott, but no final decision has been made.