As more countries continue to confirm their presence in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, we have our first official withdrawal in the upcoming edition of the competition. RTCG has announced that Montenegro will not be participating in next year’s contest, which is set to take place in Liverpool.
Costs of participation cited for withdrawal in 2023
Upon confirmation that Montenegro will not be participating in next year’s competition, RTCG explained that the cost of participation (registration fee and accommodation), alongside the lack of interest from sponsors, was the reason for their withdrawal. The broadcaster has decided to redirect the funds that would have been allocated to other expenses within the broadcaster.
In addition to the significant costs of the registration fee, as well as the cost of staying in Great Britain – we also faced a lack of interest from sponsors, so we decided to direct existing resources to the financing of current and planned national projects and organizational and program reforms, which entail significant investment interventions in equipment and premises
Upon the reveal of their non-participation in 2023, RTCG has not revealed if it will be airing the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, nor expressed if they are looking to return to the competition in 2024.
Montenegro’s Eurovision Journey
As an independent nation, Montenegro debuted in 2007 with Steven Faddy’s “Ajde, kroci”. This began a string of non-qualifications, until their first appearance in a Grand Final in 2014. Montenegro’s best result came in 2015 with Knez’s “Adio”, scoring 44 points and placing 13th. Their most recent appearance in the Contest was in 2022, when Vladana finished in 17th place in the semi-final with 33 points with her song “Breathe”.
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News Source: RTCG
Photo Credit: EBU/Andres Putting
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