The number of participants for Eurovision 2023 is sadly decreasing as North Macedonia withdraws from the contest.
North Macedonian broadcaster Makedonska Radio Televizija (MRT) broke the news on their official Eurovision Instagram account. The broadcaster cited “the economic and energy crisis and high costs” as the main reason for not participating next year.
The official statement went onto say:
“The decision to cancel Eurosong participation is valid for this year, and for the future we will see.”
This is the first time North Macedonia have withdrawn from the contest since joining in 1998. This year Andrea failed to qualify for the final with her song “Circles“, finishing 11th in semi final 2.
North Macedonia are still expected to compete in Junior Eurovision this year in Yerevan, with Lara & Irina being confirmed as the representative in June.
More countries to follow?
North Macedonia isn’t the first country from the 2022 contest to withdraw from next year’s Eurovision, with Montenegro confirming their non-participation yesterday. Sadly, they might not be the last.
As of 14/10/2022, 34 countries have confirmed their intentions to participate in next year’s contest, all of them competing in the 2022 edition. The four countries from this year that have not confirmed whether they will take part are Armenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Moldova.
Bulgaria are looking increasingly likely to be withdrawing, with Eurovision Fun reporting they had withdrawn along with Montenegro yesterday. No official from the Bulgarian broadcaster has been made yet.
The deadline for countries to confirm their Eurovision 2023 participation has already, meaning the EBU already know which countries will be taking part next year in Liverpool.
What do you think of North Macedonia’s withdrawal? How many other countries won’t take part in next year’s contest? Let us know in the comments below!
