Slovenia faces a tough decision! Will they say „No“ to Eurovision 2026?

As the new Eurovision season, which traditionally began on September 1st, approaches, the world of music and Eurovision fans eagerly awaits the confirmation of participating countries.

However, news from Slovenia suggests that their appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna is in serious doubt. The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, facing significant dilemmas, has yet to make a final decision.

The future of Slovenia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna hangs by a thread. The Slovenian public broadcaster RTVSLO is grappling with serious concerns that have put their participation in question, with the television director, Ksenija Horvat, publicly stating that the country’s participation is unlikely. This statement came after the cancellation of the planned national selection show, which further intensifies the uncertainty.

Official RTVSLO statement

In an official statement sent to the media, RTVSLO clearly outlined the conditions under which their participation could be realized. The final decision will be made no later than the adoption of the annual plan for 2026.

„The final decision on participation will be made no later than the adoption of the annual plan (PPN for 2026). By that time, it should be clear whether the EBU will reach a decision regarding Israel’s participation and whether it will consider the comments of several EBU members concerning the transparency of voting. At that point, it will be decided whether RTVSLO still wishes to participate in the competition.”

The Slovenian broadcaster emphasizes that they view not only public services as participants, but countries themselves.

“At the EBU General Assembly, which took place in early July in London, RTVSLO shared its position that in case Israel was to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, RTVSLO would not participate due to the genocide in Gaza. RTVSLO believes that it is not only public broadcasters—such as Israel’s KAN, which faces challenges with ruling politics in the country—that participate in Eurovision, but countries themselves. For example, Belgium and Germany do not have separate representatives for each public broadcaster (RTBF and VRT, or ZDF and ARD), but a single joint representative that represents the country as a whole. The EBU is currently in discussions with its members regarding Israel’s potential participation in the upcoming contest.“

Ignored requests and canceled National selection

Ksenija Horvat, director of RTVSLO, explained that the cancellation of the planned program for the national selection, which was meant to choose the representative for Vienna, is a consequence of the lack of dialogue with the EBU.

“We were working on a concept for a program that would showcase young, new, and fresh performers from the beginning of October. This would lead us to Ema, the final selection, where Slovenia’s representative for Eurovision would be chosen.”

However, this plan was put on hold for two main reasons. The first is, as Horvat states, the EBU’s ignoring of their requests.

“We sent very specific questions and proposals, similar to last year, but were ignored both times. As a result, we realistically believe that we will not be participating in Eurovision next year, as we have publicly stated. If we cannot agree on an appropriate system of participation with the EBU, we will not be there, which renders this concept of the show meaningless for us.”

The second reason is financial considerations and the need to reduce costs, which is part of a broader savings plan.

Extended deadline for participation confirmation

The EBU, aware of the situation and the concerns of some broadcasters, recently extended the deadline for confirming participation without financial penalty to mid-December, from the standard October 13th deadline. This move was designed to provide broadcasters with “additional flexibility and clarity in finalizing their application to take part in next year’s event.”

In addition to Slovenia, uncertainty regarding participation also looms in the Netherlands, where broadcaster AVROTROS is also in discussions with the EBU due to “geopolitical influences on the contest.” It remains to be seen whether the extended deadline and further negotiations will bring the desired clarity and allow Slovenia to take its place on the Eurovision stage in 2026.