Thirty-six countries confirm Eurovision 2027 participation

Thirty-six countries have confirmed they will compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said on Wednesday, ERR reports. Spain and Slovenia, which boycotted this year’s contest, have until December to decide whether to take part.

The contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May. Canada will compete for the first time, while North Macedonia will return after last taking part in 2022.

The Czech Republic will not participate, citing financial difficulties at its broadcaster. Ireland and the Netherlands, which boycotted this year’s contest because of Israel’s participation, have said they will also stay away in 2027, citing the continuing war in Gaza.

Iceland’s participation remains uncertain. The country’s public broadcaster, RÚV, reported earlier this month that most of its board opposed taking part unless Israel was barred from the contest. RÚV has not announced an official decision, but Iceland is not on the EBU’s list of confirmed participants.

The EBU said it had given Spain’s RTVE and Slovenia’s RTVSLO until December to decide. It did not comment on Iceland.

The confirmed participants are Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Eurovision director Martin Green said the contest helps launch new artists and brings audiences hundreds of new songs each year. He said it also connects people through music across national borders, languages and cultures.

The 71st Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for May 11, 13 and 15. Estonia’s representative will be selected at the Eesti Laul final on January 30.