Czechia has become the latest country to pull out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
However, while numerous participating broadcasters have withdrawn from Eurovision as a result of the ongoing controversy over Israel’s involvement, the Czech broadcaster ČT said it would not be taking part in the competition in 2027 due to budget issues.
Next year’s event will also not be broadcast on ČT.
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ČT explained in a statement on Tuesday morning: “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 spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the group of broadcasters who organise Eurovision each year, responded to the news in their own statement, which read: “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 recognise 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.”
It’s already been confirmed that, for the second year running, Ireland and Iceland will not be competing at Eurovision 2027, which is due to be held in Bulgaria for the first time.
Meanwhile, The Netherlands’ national broadcaster withdrew its involvement in Eurovision in solidarity with Palestine, though another broadcaster has taken over, meaning the country will compete next year after all.
