We have previously reported that it seems that North Macedonia is looking to return to the competition and particpate at Eurovision 2024. Now, local media are saying that the Balkan nation’s participation is still not confirmed.
A proposal within the budget
The news of North Macedonia’s potential return was first reported when MRT’s budget for 2024 was unveiled, and that this included of 1.5 Million MKD for the country to participate in both Junior Eurovision and Eurovision.
However, as reported by Focus, it’s been revealed that the participation is ‘only a proposal’, with MRT still to confirm if the participation will push through for 2024. Despite the non-participation in 2023, it was revealed that the broadcaster’s membership fee to the EBU in the sum of 16 Million MKD (approx €260,000) was paid, and that is to obtain broadcast rights to other programming such as films, sports etc.
Focus also reports that despite the country’s non-participation in Liverpool, MRT was able to make savings from the registration fee (which is set to be €50,000 for the broadcaster for 2024), as well as other costs (ie staging, promotion of an entry, necessary costs for participation).
The deadline for countries to express their initial interest to participate has passed (September 15), with countries having until October 11 to withdraw without financial penalty. Only time will tell if North Macedonia will be participating in next year’s competition or not.
North Macedonia’s Eurovision Journey
The ex-Yugoslav nation made its formal debut in the Contest in 1998 with Vlado Janevski’s “Ne zori, zoro”. Performing last, North Macedonia finished 19th out of 25.
Following Kaliopi’s participation in 2012 with “Crno i Belo”, North Macedonia began a 6-year non-qualification streak. Tamara Todevska’s participation in 2019 broke the streak with her song, “Proud” – which finished in 7th place, winning the jury vote.
In 2022, Andrea represented North Macedonia, singing her song “Circles”. Andrea performed in the second semi-final, finishing in 11th place out of 16. In total, Andrea received 76 points.
Did you miss North Macedonia in the competition? Would you like to see the Balkan nation return tot he competition in Malmö? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2024!
News Source: Focus
Photo Credit: EBU/Nathan Reinds
