Hopes for North Macedonia’s return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 are fading, following discussions at MRT’s Program Council meeting on 19 September.
Budget and planning concerns
According to MRT’s meeting minutes, the broadcaster’s council reviewed its 2026 work plan, including the possibility of returning to Eurovision for the first time since 2022.
Council president Davor Pašoski said there is still room for a comeback but stressed that any decision depends on government approval of MRT’s budget and a solid long-term plan for participation.
“There is still space for North Macedonia to return to Eurovision 2026, but a detailed assessment is needed before making a final decision.”
As discussed in MRT’s earlier work plan, the broadcaster has been evaluating whether it can realistically return next year. Several members now believe that 2027 is a more achievable goal.
Divided opinions within MRT
Opinions among MRT members remain mixed. Some called for a return as soon as possible, while others pointed out the financial challenges involved.
MRT Director Zakharija Voulgarakis explained that past entries often led to financial and organisational difficulties for the broadcaster, adding that MRT currently lacks the resources to support a full Eurovision campaign.
Instead, he suggested investing in domestic music festivals like Cvetnici and Skopje Fest to strengthen the national scene before returning to Eurovision.
Fans urge a comeback
The Program Council also acknowledged the large number of messages received from fans asking for North Macedonia to rejoin the Contest.
According to MRT, letters and petitions have come from both local audiences and the Macedonian diaspora, with fans in Australia, Sweden, and Spain expressing support for a return.
Fan club OGAE North Macedonia described Eurovision as a “global platform to showcase our culture and music,” while the Macedonian community in Australia called a return “a matter of public interest and national pride.”
For now, MRT’s focus remains on rebuilding its domestic music landscape, but the discussion keeps the door open for a possible return in 2027.
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 should wait until 2027 to make its Eurovision comeback? 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, Eurovoix
Photo Credit: Andres Putting / EBU
Tim J