Romania’s national broadcaster TVR has confirmed that it will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This comes after missing the past two Contests and last participating in 2023.
Reset between TVR and Romania music labels
In a press release, it was confirmed that Romania would be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 after two years away from the competition. In the run-up to the announcement, TVR had admitted there had been no official decision on participation, though it had been invited to songwriting camps in order to bring the nation back to the competition.
TVR’s Director-General Dan-Cristian Turturică said that the move was made after resetting relations between the broadcaster and local record labels. This had been a key reason for Romania’s absence from the competition, as TVR alleged acts of a lower calibre were being submitted. This relationship has since been restored.
Dan-Cristian Turturică said in a statement:
We proposed the resumption of Romania’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest because, in the two years of absence, we had the time to better understand what did not work in the relationship between TVR, the music industry and the creators. We understood what we need to change on our part to have a more competitive selection process and a show commensurate with the scope of the contest, so as to consistently increase the quality of our presence in the final stage.
Since participating in Eurovision is a team effort, we spent a lot of time harmonizing the expectations and efforts of everyone who must collaborate so that Romania has the best possible representation. Last but not least, we appreciate the understanding shown by the European Broadcasting Union, which adapted its invitation to Romanian Television to return to the contest, taking into account the challenges our institution faces. It is an expression of a real interest in Romania’s presence in this global television event.
With today’s decision, TVR reaffirms its commitment to supporting Romanian artists, to capitalizing on the creative potential of the music industry and to promoting Romania on one of the most prestigious international stages.
No details have been given on how Romania will select the act it will send to Vienna. It is expected that this information will be given in due course.
Romania’s Eurovision journey
Romania joined the Eurovision family in the Eastern wave of enlargement, making their debut in 1994. Their entry – Dan Bittman’s “Dincolo de nori” – finished in 21st place with a total of 14 points. At the introduction of semi-finals, Romania found their stride and were present in every Eurovision final until 2018. Romania’s best result is third place, scored twice in 2005 and 2010 respectively.
In 2023, Romania was represented by Theodor Andrei with his song – “D.G.T. (Off and On)”. Performing at the second semi-final in Liverpool, Romania failed to qualify for the final. At the close of voting in the semi-final, Romania finished joint last, scoring 0 points from the televote.
Are you happy that Romania is returning to Eurovision? Who would you like to see represent them? 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: TVR
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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