Eurovision 2027: 36 Nations Compete, Previous Boycotters Maintain Stance
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Thirty-six countries will compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, Bulgaria, an increase from last year, with Canada joining and North Macedonia returning. However, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands are boycotting, citing opposition to competing with Israel. Spain, Slovenia, and Hungary have yet to confirm their participation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 36 countries will compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Canada will compete for the first time, and North Macedonia will return.
- Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands are boycotting the competition.
- The Dutch broadcaster reversed its participation decision due to pressure over competing with Israel.
- Spain and Slovenia have until December to decide on their participation.
- Hungary's participation remains unconfirmed after a government change.
The European Broadcasting Union announced that 36 countries will participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, from May 11-15. This marks an increase of one participating nation compared to the previous year, with Canada entering for the first time and North Macedonia returning after a hiatus. Czechia, however, has withdrawn due to budget cuts affecting its public broadcaster.
Five nations that boycotted last year's competition have not indicated plans to return. Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands have explicitly stated they will not participate. The Dutch public broadcaster NPO initially confirmed its participation last month but reversed its decision two days ago, citing pressure from employees and local television networks opposed to competing alongside Israel. Despite the withdrawal, the contest will still be broadcast in the Netherlands.
Broadcasters in Ireland and Iceland had announced their boycotts about a month ago, also citing opposition to participating with Israel. Meanwhile, Spain and Slovenia, which also boycotted last year, have been granted an extension until December to decide on their participation. Neither country has yet announced its decision.
Hungary has also not yet confirmed its participation, following a change in government that previously opposed the country's involvement in the contest due to its nature. The list of confirmed participating countries includes Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.