The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will be accompanied by 36 TV stations; RTV Slovenia is not among them yet
The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed that 36 public broadcasters will participate in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 11-15, 2027, in Burgas, Bulgaria. The event will feature 31 competing entries divided into two semi-finals, with the top ten songs from each advancing to the grand final alongside the host nation and the 'Big Five' countries. Canada’s CBC/Radio-Canada marks its debut participation after becoming a full EBU member in July 2026, while North Macedonia returns after a four-year absence. Spain’s RTVE and Slovenia’s RTVSLO have not yet finalized their participation due to extended deadlines granted by the EBU. RTVSLO cited current financial constraints as a significant barrier to involvement, whereas previous years saw political objections regarding Israel’s participation influence decisions.
The European Broadcasting Union confirmed on Wednesday in Geneva that 36 public broadcasters have secured spots for the 71st Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria. This represents one more participating nation than last year’s edition. However, the total number of countries could rise to 38 if Spain and Slovenia decide to join. The EBU granted both Spanish broadcaster RTVE and Slovenian television RTVSLO until December to finalize their participation decisions. Iceland also received an extension for its decision. These three nations boycotted this year’s contest in Vienna to protest the war in Gaza and Israel’s involvement. Ireland and the Netherlands, which abstained for similar reasons, have already announced they will skip the 2027 competition as well. The contest will take place from May 11 to 15 at the Arena Burgas, hosted by Bulgarian National Television. Canada will make its debut appearance through CBC/Radio-Canada, having become a full EBU member in July 2026. North Macedonia returns after a four-year absence via broadcaster MRT. The current list of confirmed participants includes Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Martin Green, the director of the contest, stated that in a world that feels increasingly divided, the event unites audiences through music across borders, languages, and cultures. He emphasized that this role is more critical than ever before. The EBU highlighted the contest's impact on musical careers, noting that 35 songs from this year’s edition recorded nearly 600 million plays on audio and video platforms between January and August. This year’s winning song, "Bangaranga" by Dareth, reached the top charts in 11 countries, placed in the top five in five others, and entered the top ten in another five. Regarding format, 31 acts will compete in two semi-finals held on Tuesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 13. Juries and viewers will select 10 songs from each semi-final to advance to the grand final on Saturday, May 15. They will join the host country’s representative and the direct qualifiers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Viewers worldwide and professional juries appointed by the 36 participating broadcasters will vote for the winner. A draw to determine semi-final placements will occur in Burgas next January. Milena Milotinova, general director of BNT, expressed anticipation for welcoming competitors and fans to the Black Sea coast. She described the effort to provide an exceptional experience for live audiences and viewers at home, calling the event a global occasion rather than just a television show. In Slovenia, RTVSLO has not yet signaled intent to participate. According to local reports, the decision hinges on preparing and adopting a programmatic production plan for 2027. Public statements from the broadcaster indicate that financial capabilities currently pose a major limitation for such a large project. Last year’s absence was driven by political opposition to Israel’s participation. The EBU noted that the 36 confirmed broadcasters represent nearly 600 million people globally.
The European Broadcasting Union announced that Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland have been granted until December to decide whether they will participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Bulgaria. These three countries previously boycotted this year's competition in Vienna in protest against Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza. Ireland and the Netherlands have already confirmed they will continue their boycott next year. Canada will make its debut at the contest, while North Macedonia returns after several years of absence. The EBU highlighted the event's role in uniting audiences through music and noted that songs from this year's contest generated nearly 600 million streams between January and August.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural event but centers on a politically motivated boycott related to the conflict in Gaza. However, the reporting remains strictly factual, citing official decisions by the EBU and statements from broadcasters without adding editorial commentary or taking a side on the地缘
Why factuality (90): This article provides strong sourcing by citing the German press agency dpa and quoting EBU director Martin Green directly. It correctly contextualizes the potential absence of Slovenia, Spain, and Iceland due to previous boycotts related to the Gaza war and Israel's participation. The details about
Why objectivity (85): The presentation is balanced and informative. It presents the boycott context clearly without taking a stance on the geopolitical issues themselves, simply stating the motivations as reported by the parties involved. The inclusion of the EBU director's quote adds a layer of official perspective with
The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed that 36 public broadcasters will participate in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 11-15, 2027, in Burgas, Bulgaria. The event will feature 31 competing entries divided into two semi-finals, with the top ten songs from each advancing to the grand final alongside the host nation and the 'Big Five' countries. Canada’s CBC/Radio-Canada marks its debut participation after becoming a full EBU member in July 2026, while North Macedonia returns after a four-year absence. Spain’s RTVE and Slovenia’s RTVSLO have not yet finalized their participation due to extended deadlines granted by the EBU. RTVSLO cited current financial constraints as a significant barrier to involvement, whereas previous years saw political objections regarding Israel’s participation influence decisions.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the potential non-participation of Slovenia primarily through the lens of 'financial limitations,' but explicitly contrasts this with last year's 'political reasons' involving opposition to Israel's presence. By highlighting the political nature of past boycotts and the specific E
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the core facts regarding the 36 confirmed broadcasters, the host city (Burgas), and the specific status of Slovenia and Spain pending December decisions. It correctly identifies Canada's first participation and North Macedonia's return. However, the list of participat
Why objectivity (70): The tone is largely neutral but includes a subjective parenthetical remark about last year's political opposition to Israel, which adds editorial context not strictly present in a standard factual report. The phrasing 'complexity of the issue' regarding the deadline extension is somewhat vague but a
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