The European Broadcasting Union has released a statement regarding the decision made by Slovakia’s government to change the legal framework of its public service broadcaster RTVS.
Slovakia’s change of law
The statement, which can be viewed below, follows changes by the Slovakian government to the structure and governing of the public service broadcaster RTVS (now called STVR, but currently retaining the old organisations name and branding). The concerns of the EBU stem from what is sees as increased political interference in the governing and editorial independence of Slovakian public service broadcasting. Prior to the adoption of the law, protests both within and outwith the country had been lodged from the public and media organisations.
With regards to Eurovision, the EBU has not made any suggestion that the new broadcaster will have its membership suspended meaning the country would still be eligible to participate. The broadcaster however did state that for the upcoming contest in 2025 would not see their return.
Slovakia’s Eurovision Journey
Slovakia last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. Their best result came in 1996 with Marcel Palonder’s “Kym nas mas”.
After taking an extended break from the contest in the 2000s, Slovakia returned in 2009 to less success, failing to qualify for the final for four consecutive years before withdrawing again. Their final entry in 2012 was Max Jason Mai’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, which finished last in its semi-final. One of their best-remembered entries from this era is Kristina Pelakova’s “Horehronie”, which finished 16th in its semi-final in 2010 and is a regular fixture on the year-end ESC 250 chart.
What do you think of the EBU’s response? Would you want to see Slovakia return to 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 for all your Eurovision news!
News source: EBU
Photo Credit: TASR / Profimedia
Rory Gannon 
Giwrgos Oiko