Exclusive: Is Moldova returning to Eurovision 2026?

The Eurovision world is buzzing with rumors of Moldova’s potential return to the contest. While an official confirmation is still pending, recent actions by the public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) strongly suggest the country might be back on stage for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, after a one-year hiatus.

TRM has sent an invitation letter to artists and creators, inviting them to a meeting to discuss participation. The letter emphasizes that the contest offers a unique opportunity to promote the talent and music of Moldovan artists to a European audience of millions.

„Every year, this stage gives a chance for Moldova’s voice to be heard by millions of viewers across Europe,“ the statement reads.

The meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Studio 1 of TV Moldova 1 in Chișinău. The goal is to gather as many creative minds as possible to ensure any potential participation is a memorable and artistically rich event.

Participants have been asked to confirm their attendance, which clearly shows the broadcaster’s serious intent. While we’re still waiting for an official announcement, all eyes are on Chișinău. A final decision is expected after September 30, once the details and the mood of the Moldovan artistic community are known.

Until then, we can only hope that one of the most unique Eurovision countries will make a grand return!

Moldova’s Eurovision history

Moldova made its Eurovision debut in 2005 and has since participated 19 times. The public broadcaster TeleRadio-Moldova (TRM) is responsible for their entries, and this small nation often surprises the European audience.

Their 2005 debut was remarkably successful. The band Zdob și Zdub with the song „Boonika bate doba“ finished in sixth place, immediately showcasing Moldova’s distinct, recognizable style. Since then, Moldova has qualified for the final 12 times, while failing to make it out of the semi-finals on six occasions (2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2024).

Moldova has also achieved several other notable successes:

• In 2007, Natalia Barbu entered the Top 10 with her song „Fight,“ finishing in tenth place.
• DoReDos also made the Top 10 in 2018 with „My Lucky Day,“ securing tenth place.
• In 2022, Zdob și Zdub returned, this time with the Advahov Brothers, and their song „Trenulețul“ finished in a high seventh place, proving that their folk-punk style still has a strong place on the stage. The song was particularly popular with the public, placing second in the televote.

However, Moldova’s most successful result came in 2017 when SunStroke Project and their song „Hey Mamma!“ scored a sensational third-place finish. This achievement, along with the iconic „Epic Sax Guy“ solo from 2010, solidified SunStroke Project’s status as one of Eurovision’s most beloved acts.

Although they withdrew from the 2025 contest citing economic and artistic challenges, the latest news indicates that Moldova is ready to get back in the game and continue bringing its unique charm to the biggest music stage in Europe.

Moldova’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kiev