Greek broadcaster ERT is reportedly planning to expand its national selection process for Eurovision 2026. According to media reports, the broadcaster is considering a shift from a single-night final to a more extensive format featuring semi-finals. This development would mark a major change in the ERT’s Eurovision 2026 plans.
Inside ERT’s plans for Eurovision 2026
ERT is looking to capitalise on the positive reception of its Eurovision 2025 selection show, which garnered strong viewership and public engagement. Encouraged by these results, the broadcaster is now exploring the possibility of creating a multi-night event. This new approach may include a week-long celebration, with semi-finals and a grand final broadcast live. The goal is to turn the national final into a more immersive and commercially sustainable Eurovision week.
Sources indicate that ERT’s renewed interest stems from the financial success of the 2025 national final. It reportedly turned a profit, boosting advertising revenues beyond production costs. This outcome has made a larger, televised selection process financially viable and supports the current ERT Eurovision 2026 plans.
In addition, early reports suggest that Fokas Evangelinos and Klavdia, Greece’s 2025 Eurovision representative, may once again be involved with the national final in some capacity. While details are limited, their return could signal a continuation of the creative direction introduced last year.
What could the new format under ERT look like?
While ERT has not made any official announcements, local reports speculate that the new national final could resemble models used in countries like Sweden or Norway, where multiple semi-finals lead up to a televised final. This would offer greater visibility to artists and allow audiences to engage with the process over several weeks.
As of now, ERT has not officially confirmed these plans. However, insiders suggest that an announcement could come later this year, once logistics and funding are finalised. If approved, this would mark a new chapter in Greece’s Eurovision strategy.
Greece’s Eurovision journey
In 1974, Greece made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with “Krasi, thalassa ke t’agori mou”, which placed 11th. Since then, they have participated on 44 occasions (41 of which made the Grand Final), and have won once, in 2005.
Greece’s most recent Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Klavdia with the song “Asteromáta”. Following her performance, Greece qualified for the Grand Final, finishing in 6th place. She earned a total of 231 points, of which 105 were from the national juries and 126 were from the televoters.
Would you like to see semi‑finals return to Greece’s Eurovision selection? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: iEidiseis
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
Euan T