Monégasque broadcaster TVMonaco is officially a full member of the European Broadcasting Union. Could that mean a possible return to the Eurovision Song Contest?
Monaco’s Possible Return
Monaco withdrew from the contest in 2006, but talk of their return has increased in recent years. There was talk of a possible return in 2023, though this did not take place. Their new broadcaster TVMonaco launched in September 2023, which made a return in 2024 possible, although this was quickly ruled out. However, the chief of TVMonaco later revealed that their non-participation was due to the quick turnaround between the launch and the submission deadline. This, alongside a prior €100,000 allocation in the state budget, means that a Monégasque return to Eurovision soon is still a possibility.
Monaco’s Eurovision History
Monaco was one of the first participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, making their debut in 1959. The first Monégasque song to take part was Jacques Pills’ “Mon ami Pierrot”. Despite finishing in last place, with one point, Monaco took part in every edition until 1979. Monaco was able to win the Contest once in 1971, with Severine’s “Un banc, un arbre, une rue”. However, due to the country’s small size, Monaco did not have the capacity to host the show, instead being held in Edinburgh.
Following their withdrawal in 1980, Monaco returned to the Contest in 2004, where they failed to qualify for the final in three consecutive occasions. Their most recent entry was in 2006, with Sevérine Ferrer’s “La Coco-Dance”. At the close of voting, Monaco finished in 21st place in a field of 23 with 14 points.
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News Source: EBU
Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Tobi 87
Rory Gannon 
Tim J