After months of uncertainty, San Marino RTV (SMRTV) has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026. A new three-year agreement has been signed between SMRTV, the Secretariat for Tourism and Media Evolution, securing the San Marino Song Contest as the nation’s selection format until 2028.
From doubts to confirmation
Earlier this summer, San Marino had considered withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 due to concerns about the transparency of the voting system. With this new agreement, those doubts have been set aside, as SMRTV confirms its commitment to the Contest.
The San Marino Song Contest will now expand its format to include online applications, castings, a training academy, and, following the Eurovision model, two semifinals and a televised final. The winner will once again go on to represent San Marino at Eurovision.
A significant investment
Each edition of the contest is expected to cost around €600,000. The Secretariat of State will provide part of the funding, while RTV and Media Evolution will cover the rest through sponsorships, ticket sales and other commercial income.
Tourism Secretary Federico Pedini Amati described the deal as “an investment in a valuable cultural and touristic asset,” highlighting its role in promoting San Marino internationally and boosting the local economy.
Media Evolution’s CEO Denny Montesi added that the competition will continue to welcome artists from across the world, noting that past editions have already attracted participants from countries as far away as Australia and South Africa.
San Marino RTV’s commitment
RTV’s General Director Roberto Sergio underlined the broadcaster’s mission to provide high-quality productions that meet EBU standards. He confirmed that SMRTV will handle the technical and editorial production of the semifinals and final, ensuring San Marino remains visible on the European stage.
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.
Are you pleased to see San Marino return to Eurovision in 2026? 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: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Samantha 
Giwrgos Oiko 
Aleksi N.