Will they or won't they? Slovenia uncertain on Eurovision participation in 2026.
The Director of Slovenia’s broadcaster RTVSLO, Ksenija Horvat, has stated that “we realistically think that we will not be able to go to the Eurovision Song Contest.”
At the most recent RTVSLO Assembly meeting, its members, among other things, discussed the country’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, and whether or not they will be present at the 70th contest in Vienna next year.
Ksenija Horvat mentioned that the broadcaster had initially planned to launch a new entertainment show to find their Eurovision representative, but that these plans have now been scrapped, which is largely due to lack of response and action from the EBU, following on from RTVSLO’s enquiries to the EBU in 2024 and 2025.
“We announced a new entertainment show for the second half of the year, based on the format of selecting a Eurovision entry for 2026. So, we worked on a concept for a show that would essentially build on the selection of young, new, fresh performers from the beginning of October onwards, which would lead us to EMA, the final selection, where Slovenia’s Eurovision representative would be chosen.
Now, as you know, a lot has happened in the meantime, since April… We have made several appeals to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to talk more with us – the smaller television stations – about the rules for participating in the Eurovision Song Contest. We sent some very specific questions and proposals, just like last year. Last year, we were more or less ignored, and this year it’s the same. So we realistically think that we won’t be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and we have said so publicly. If we cannot agree on an appropriate system of participation, then we will not be there. This means that this series of programs will also lose its meaning for us.”
Ksenija Horvat also goes on to mention that another reason for the cancellation of this new show is also partly due to fianncial issues, as the broadcaster will continue to broadcast the popular show The Joker, as the broadcaster would need to invest some money into The Joker, more specificially the lisence fee for the show.
“So, in the first half of the year, we were under pressure that we of course have to save money at every step, and review where we can reduce costs, and that was basically part of the savings plan. So several things came together for us, but the main thing is that we obviously won’t be going to the Eurovision Song Contest.”
Back in May, after the conclusion of the 2025 contest in Switzerland, RTVSLO sent a letter to the EBU, stating that they would be re-considering the country’s Eurovision participation, dependent on the EBU addressing issues raised and taking action, where needed. The two main concerns raised were Israel’s participation and the televoting system currently in place.
Participation confirmation deadline extended
With RTVSLO of Slovenia, and also AVROTROS of The Netherlands, still uncertain of Eurovision 2026 participation, and still in talks with the EBU regarding this, the EBU recently confirmed that the deadling for country’s to confirm their Eurovision 2026 participation without any financial penalty, will be mid December, an extension of two months from the usual October 13th deadline.
The EBU have stated that the reason for this deadline extension has been brought in this year “to provide broadcasters with additional flexibility and clarity in finalising their application to take part in next year’s event.”
Slovenia’s Eurovision 2025 participation saw popular and well-known actor, singer, comedian and television host Klemen represent them with his song “How Much Time Do We Have Left?” He finished in 13th place with 23 points in semi final one.
In 2026, Eurovision will be returning to Vienna, Austria, for a third time after JJ brought the country’s third Eurovision victory this year with “Wasted Love”. The contest will take place on May 12th, 14th and 16th at the Wiener Stadthalle. To date, 26 countries have confirmed their intention to participate, whilst just three countries so far – Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Slovakia have confirmed they will not be participating.
What are your thoughts on Slovenia’s potential withdrawal from Eurovision in 2026? Do you think the country will withdraw from the contest? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
