It’s a sad day in Belgarde—and all across Eurovision Nation. That’s because RTS, Serbia’s state broadcaster, has announced that it will not participate in Eurovision 2014.

The news came this afternoon after several weeks of negotiations and internal meetings. As we reported back in September, officials had hoped to compete and were looking for creative ways to fund participation. However, as a report in today’s Telegraf makes clear, the cash-strapped broadcaster couldn’t make it happen. Here is the official statement from Serbia Radio and Television:

The continuity of the participation of Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest is terminated due to financial reasons and costs for participation and organization of departure of the delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest.

As an independent state, Serbia took part in this prestigious competition since 2007. During these years it has achieved a number of good investments. In 2008, as host of Eurovision, Radio Television Serbia set a new standard in organizational and technical issues that still serve as an example for the Eurovision community.

The news will break the heart of ESC fans who have admired the country’s stirring entries, including 2007 winner “Molitva” from Marija Serifovic.

The last portion of the RTS statement was sent to us in bold, giving us hope for the future:

Radio Television of Serbia will evaluate the possibility of participating in the Eurovision Song Contest next year, as soon as the stable and sufficient funding from the budget.

Are you upset? Will you be cheering for Bosnia now instead? Why isn’t Zeljko Joksimovic using some of his salary from X Factor Adria to support RTS?! Let us know in the comments box below.

You can keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.

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aarhus
aarhus
10 years ago

easy. if it had been in herning, where sound was the focus, and not a “party for drinks and sex”… then they would have been there.. and hand on heart.. they could have been the winners.

oh, theres trubles at the “buildingsite”. refshaleøen has some trubles when its not just mud and heavy music

beccaboo1212
10 years ago

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bogdan
10 years ago

This is a big loss for Eurovision. 🙁

gary dunn
10 years ago

i echo adrian here. sad to see no serbia for the next contest, and would have loved moje 3 to have had another shot (minus the awful costumes) bring back the devil and angel one tho haha

Jason Phelan
Jason Phelan
10 years ago

*Belgrade.

Arianna
10 years ago

I heard a little peep of this rumour sometime ago, but didn’t think it would come true. It is really sad! For someone like me who wasn’t really following the financial situations over there, this is quite a surprise 🙁 They were having a strong run in the contest! Can’t wait to see them back.

Rogesc
Rogesc
10 years ago

Molitva will live on

Petar
Petar
10 years ago

I can’t believe it. I’m crying. How? Why? Can’t believe… WOAAAAAAAAA!

Alex
Alex
10 years ago

Balkan, balkan, balkan, ovo je balkan, come on!!!

Yeah, this is sad, along with the departure of Bulgaria.

What this does mean is that as of right now, there will only be 15 acts in each semi-final. Hopefully this’ll give some of the underdog countries a chance at a turnaround in 2014.

Joanna
Joanna
10 years ago

Eurovision is ruined.

Anonymous
Anonymous
10 years ago

So dissapointed and frustrated! I loved Serbia in eurovision, especially in 2007,2008 and 2011! Serbia we need you! This Eurovision will be such a bore without half of the balkans…

David Thielen
David Thielen
10 years ago

This is bad news. Serbia has had some really good entries. Awful costumes this past year, but even with that, an amazing song with very talented singers.

Karl
Karl
10 years ago

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! My heart is shattered :'( of course maybe Macedonia, Bosnia, or Montenegro can do the Balkans some justice ^_^

Adrian Kavanagh
10 years ago

No chance that the fans of the Moje 3 girls can have a whip around to allow them go back next year as Serbia’s act (without complicated routines/costumes this time) for a decent shot at the contest? 🙁