Despite confirming its participation in Junior Eurovision, San Marino RTV has stated that no final decision has been made regarding the country’s involvement in the main Eurovision Song Contest next year.
No final decision from San Marino RTV
After days of uncertainty, San Marino RTV has clarified that it has not yet decided whether to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Speaking at a press event in Rome, Director General Roberto Sergio said discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are ongoing, particularly concerning the voting system – a point the broadcaster has previously criticised.
Following its dissatisfaction with the 2025 Contest, San Marino RTV had hinted at a possible withdrawal in 2026. Concerns were raised specifically about the structure of the jury and televote, which the broadcaster believes disadvantages smaller countries.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its Eurovision future, San Marino has confirmed it will take part in Junior Eurovision 2025, set for December in Tbilisi. Sergio described this decision as “a signal of goodwill and openness to dialogue”, but stressed that no agreement has been reached regarding participation in the main contest.
Sergio explained:
“We’ve had daily talks with the EBU and the Eurovision organisers. We, along with other small states, didn’t agree with the way jury and public voting were handled. They haven’t refused dialogue, but we haven’t found a common ground yet.”
A final decision on San Marino’s Eurovision 2026 participation is expected later in the year.
San Marino’s Eurovision journey
As one of the smallest countries in Europe, San Marino made its debut in the competition in 2008 with Miodio and the song “Complice”. Since then, they have participated in the competition 14 times, qualifying for the grand final three times. Their best result was in 2019, with Serhat and “Say Na Na Na”.
Italian DJ Gabry Ponte represented San Marino in 2025 with his song “Tutta L’Italia” – the original theme song for Sanremo that year. Performing in the first semi-final, San Marino qualified for the final, where it ultimately placed last with 37 points. 28 points came from the juries, while 9 came from the televote.
Should San Marino give Eurovision 2026 another shot – or sit this one out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow That Eurovision Site on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Tumblr, and Bluesky for all the latest updates on Sanremo and Eurovision 2026!
News Source: San Marino RTV
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Euan T 
Rory Gannon