OGAE Serbia :: Vaš evrovizijski svet
Bosnia and Herzegovina will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will be held in Austria, as confirmed by the national broadcaster BHRT.
Unfortunately, this continues a streak of ten consecutive years without the presence of this Balkan country at Europe’s most-watched music competition.
Financial troubles and EBU sanctions – still insurmountable obstacles
The reasons for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s absence remain the same as in previous years: a serious financial crisis within BHRT and ongoing sanctions from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) due to unpaid debts. While there have been occasional signs of hope for a return — including statements by former Head of Delegation Lejla Babović suggesting that private sponsorships might be part of the solution — no concrete progress has been made.
Without changes in funding and state support, BHRT is forced to remain on the sidelines, while other countries — even those with modest budgets — continue to use Eurovision as a platform for cultural and international promotion.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s absence is not just a musical loss. It also represents the loss of a space for cultural representation, creative expression, and soft diplomacy. Many fans across Europe and around the world say they miss the unique sound and emotional depth that Bosnian entries often brought to the contest.
Beyond the impact on international visibility, this absence also affects the local music industry — young artists are left without the opportunity to perform on a major stage and present themselves to millions of viewers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Eurovision journey – from wartime debut to the peak with “Lejla”
Bosnia and Herzegovina made its Eurovision debut in 1993, at the height of the war, with the song “Sva bol svijeta” performed by Fazla. The delegation’s arrival in Ireland was a miracle in itself — the artists left besieged Sarajevo under the cover of night.
The country’s greatest success came in 2006, when Hari Mata Hari performed the ballad “Lejla”, written by Željko Joksimović, and secured 3rd place with eight sets of maximum 12 points — more than any other country that year.
After that, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation became increasingly uncertain: a withdrawal in 2013, a return in 2016 with “Ljubav je” performed by Dalal, Deen, Ana Rucner, and Jala — which failed to qualify for the final and finished 11th in the semi-final — and a new withdrawal that has continued to this day.
Is there hope for a return?
As long as BHRT does not settle its financial obligations with the EBU, a return seems unlikely. Still, in the world of Eurovision, change can come suddenly — a new government, international cooperation, a private sponsor, or the determination of a new generation of musicians could alter the course of events.
Fans, both at home and in the diaspora, still hope to one day see Bosnia and Herzegovina back on the Eurovision stage. Until then, hope remains — along with memories of moments when emotion, tradition, and Balkan music touched millions of viewers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s representative at Eurovision 2006 in Athens.
