As the final list of participating countries for Eurovision 2025 nears, several countries are still debating whether to take part. Now, the directors at MRT – the public broadcaster for North Macedonia – has said the country “should” participate in Basel.
Financial issues ahead for North Macedonia
Documents published by MRT showed Eurovision was discussed during a Programme Council meeting on October 22nd. As part of the minutes of the meeting, it was revealed Eurovision fans in North Macedonia had called on the broadcaster to return to the competition.
During the course of the meeting, the President of the Programme Council said that the topic should be discussed in its own session. However, she added that MRT should “engage and make efforts to participate in this year’s Eurosong, if such a thing is possible.” The council added that the country should continue to participate, even if they suffer a poor result as it helps in the promotion of North Macedonia on an international level.
However, despite the willingness within MRT to take part in the show in Switzerland, this may not be possible. Previous records released earlier this month showed MRT had earmarked 2 million Macedonian denar for participation. This figure is equivalent to €32,500 (£27,155) – which, based on previous budgets for the show, is not enough to take part in Eurovision 2025. Currently, MRT has confirmed they will broadcast the Contest, but a definitive answer on participation has not been given.
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.
What do you make of the calls for North Macedonia to return? Do you think the possibility of North Macedonia returning to the competition is too unlikely? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News Source: MRT
Photo Credit: Andres Putting / EBU
Giwrgos Oiko