After three years away from the Eurovision spotlight, North Macedonia might be gearing up for a return. The country’s broadcaster MRT has confirmed that the idea is once again on the table, and this time, the push is coming directly from the public.
MRT discusses North Macedonia’s possible comeback to Eurovision
MRT, the country’s national broadcaster, has revealed that it is actively discussing the possibility of returning to the competition after receiving requests from the public.
During a meeting of the MRT Program Council on August 27, members acknowledged growing calls from citizens for the broadcaster to reconsider its withdrawal. According to the minutes of the meeting, viewers argued that Eurovision remains a powerful platform to promote the country, its musicians, and its cultural identity — while also benefiting from the contest’s consistently strong viewership.
Council member Ivana Efremovski went further, suggesting that a public debate should be launched to measure citizens’ interest and evaluate whether a return is worth pursuing.
From “Circles” to Silence: The Eurovision Gap
This is not the first time MRT has looked into the matter. A potential comeback was already on the table last year, but discussions collapsed due to a lack of funding and insufficient time to prepare a credible entry.
North Macedonia has been absent from the contest since 2023, when MRT announced its withdrawal from the Liverpool edition, citing financial difficulties. Until then, the country had been a steady participant since 2004. The last time North Macedonia appeared on stage was in 2022, when Andrea performed Circles in Turin.
Adding to the momentum, singer Bobi Andonov, who represented North Macedonia at Junior Eurovision 2008, has expressed his interest in flying the flag at Eurovision 2026, should MRT confirm its return.
For now, nothing has been decided. But with public support mounting and internal discussions underway, fans may not have to wait too long to see North Macedonia back on the Eurovision stage.
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.
Do you think North Macedonia can come back to Eurovision? Could Bobi bring the country back to the final if he was selected? 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: MRT
Photo Credit: Sebastian Scheiner
Giwrgos Oiko 
Rory Gannon