Almost a month after the list of competing countries for Eurovision 2024, it has been revealed Romania’s participation remains under discussion.
Extension as discussion takes place
On December 5th, 2023 – it was revealed that 37 countries had confirmed to be participating in Malmö. However, the EBU explained that Romania’s participation was in doubt and discussions were taking place. The reasoning for these discussions was to secure long-term funding to guarantee Romania’s participation for the Contest.
Since then, TVR has been given an extension by the EBU to help find funds to solidify their participation fees. In a statement offered to Eurovision fan site Eurovoix, TVR confirmed that it is waiting for an approval of the state budget from the Romanian government. Should the government allocate enough money to TVR, the broadcaster will then confirm whether it will participate or not. However, the absolute deadline given to TVR by the EBU has yet to be revealed.
This is not the first time the EBU has overly extended a country’s deadline to confirm its participation. In 2014, the EBU gave Slovenian broadcaster RTV SLO ample time to confirm whether it would be taking part. The broadcaster eventually gave the green light to participation on January 17th, 2014 – which is currently the latest a broadcaster has waited to confirm they would be taking part.
Romania’s Eurovision journey
Romania joined the Eurovision family in the Eastern wave of enlargement, making their debut in 1994. Their entry – Dan Bittman’s “Dincolo de nori” – finished in 21st place with a total of 14 points. At the introduction of semi-finals, Romania found their stride and were present in every Eurovision final until 2018. Romania’s best result is third place, scored twice in 2005 and 2010 respectively.
In 2023, Romania was represented by Theodor Andrei with his song – “D.G.T. (Off and On)”. Performing at the second semi-final in Liverpool, Romania failed to qualify for the final. At the close of voting in the semi-final, Romania finished joint last, scoring 0 points from the televote.
What do you make of the ongoing discussion for Romania to return to Eurovision? Will TVR be able to get the money together? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads TikTok and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024.
News Source: Eurovoix
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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