Bosnia & Herzegovina’s public broadcaster, BHRT, is considering a potential return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.
BHRT propose plans
In their proposals for the year ahead, BHRT made reference to the Contest as it made recommendations for what the station should focus on in terms of programming.
Tagging the Contest on at the end of the broadcaster’s objectives, BHRT said Eurovision remains a high priority. Executives at the station said:
Također, mislimo da je krajnje vrijeme da se razmotri mogućnost ponovnog vraćanja predstavnika BiH na Eurosong 2025. godine.
Also, we think it is high time to consider the possibility of returning BiH representatives to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.
BHRT proposal
This is the first time in an extended period of time that BHRT has mentioned Eurovision participation exclusively. Previous years have seen the broadcaster attempt to make a return, but after weeks of provisional participation, the channel has been forced to withdraw. However, in recent months, politicians and former participants have called on the country to return to the show.
The last time that Bosnia & Herzegovina took part in the Eurovision Song Contest was back in 2016. After having withdrawn in 2013 due to rising participation costs, BHRT was able to gather the costs of participation thanks to a sponsor. However, despite this, the EBU issued sanctions to BHRT following unpaid debts, restricting their rights to certain shows – including Eurovision.
Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Eurovision journey
Bosnia and Herzegovina were a mini-powerhouse in the Eurovision Song Contest in the time that they took part. The nation debuted in Eurovision in 1993 with Fazla, singing the song ‘Sva bol svijeta’. The song placed 16th, scoring 27 points. Bosnia qualified for the final every single time bar once; their best result coming in 2006 with ‘Leija’ sung by Hari Mata Hari, which came third scoring 229 points in the Grand Final.
Bosnia and Herzegovina last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2016 with Dalal and Deen featuring Ana Rucner and Jala. Singing the song ‘Ljubav Je’, unfortunately they failed to qualify – placing 11th in the Semi Final with 104 points. This marked the first time that Bosnia & Herzegovina was not in a final in its participation.
What do you think of Bosnia’s plans? Can BHRT pay off its debts in time for the next edition of the Contest? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: BHRT
Photo Credit: NDR / Rolf Klatt
Giwrgos Oiko 
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