Eurovision confirms 36 countries for 2027, Spain and Slovenia still undecided
National broadcasters from 36 countries will take part in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Wednesday. The contest will take place next May in Burgas in eastern Bulgaria.
Spain and Slovenia boycotted this year's edition over Israel's participation. The EBU said the two countries 'have not yet decided' whether they will compete in the 2027 contest.
The Union has given both broadcasters until December to confirm their participation. The EBU said the time was given 'in recognition of the complexity of the matter'.
Ireland, the Netherlands and Iceland will once again boycott the competition next year, the report said. They also boycotted this year.
Five countries staged a boycott of the 2026 contest due to Israel's war in Gaza. The report said the war was sparked by the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the resulting humanitarian crisis it triggered.
The song contest has been embroiled in controversy in recent years over Israel's participation. The EBU changed its rules earlier this year to block countries involved in armed conflict or any other 'sensitive geopolitical situation' from hosting the annual competition, after Israel almost won in 2025 and 2026. The winning country typically hosts the following year's event.
Canada is a new addition to the contest for 2027. North Macedonia will return after a four-year absence.
Czechia will not take part in next year's contest for financial reasons, the report said.
