We now know that Vienna will host Eurovision 2015, and the preparations for the contest are in full swing. Countries from all over Europe (and outside of it!) have the chance to compete, but several remain reluctant to do so—sometimes for political reasons, other times because they don’t have the money. We at Wiwi HQ want to see everyone at Europe’s biggest party! So here’s a review on the status of all those countries who decided not to participate in Copenhagen. Let’s all channel positive vibes and get them in the game, ok?
Here’s the report from wiwibloggers James Puchowski in Scotland and Daphne Dee in Belgium.
Potential returning countries
Let’s start with nations that have previously competed and subsequently bowed out.
Luxembourg
Even though Luxembourg was part of the first handful of nations to participate at Eurovision, Radio Téle Luxembourg decided to pull out of the contest in 1994. Copenhagen marked a 20-year absence. It appears that there is no longer sufficient demand to return to Eurovision in the microstate. How do they cope in Luxembourg without Eurovision?
Eurovision fan sites ask RTL whether they would like to come back every year, but the response has always been negative—including for 2015. The cost of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is something which could be holding Luxembourg back, though it’s pretty clear that the broadcaster can afford the participation fee. In 2014 San Marino qualified for the final for the first time, exploding the argument that microstates just can’t make it anymore.
Former Yugoslav Republics: Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia
Serbia’s RTS withdrew from the 2014 edition of Eurovision citing financial difficulties. The rising cost of participation fees and the financial realities of hosting the contest are two major hurdles. However, over the summer RTS announced that it will participate in the upcoming edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Could it be greasing the wheels — and its choreographers, songwriters, and publicists — in preparation for Eurovision 2015? Seems likely.
Croatia’s HRT withdrew this year as well, leaving Croatian musicians and Eurofans disappointed—even if they had failed to qualify for the final on a number of occasions. Officials from the state broadcaster seemed quite upset to leave and have stated that they are more than happy to come back for the 2015 edition, but only if finances allow that to happen.
For a moment we were excited to hear that after Bosnia & Herzegovina’s brief absence from Eurovision in 2013 that they would be back… and then they withdrew again. State broadcaster BHRT has stated that it has been unable to attain enough sponsorship for the participation fee, even though other companies and broadcasters did offer to help. Hmmm.
Czech Republic and Slovakia
Czech broadcaster CT was not pushed to withdraw due to economic factors. Instead, three failed attempts in the semi-finals (with gypsies, a lady in tin foil and a scary rock band) led to poor viewing figures and a general lack of interest from the public. On 30 July it emerged that they won’t be making a comeback.
Slovakia’s RTVS dropped out after the 2012 contest, when Max Jason Mai failed to reach the final, despite having biceps the size of our heads. Statements from the broadcaster have clarified that the funding for Eurovision will be spent elsewhere – it’s a shame, considering that after Czechoslovakia split in 1992, Slovakia was extremely eager to take part.
- Gipsy.cz participated for Czech Republic in 2009
Andorra
As we previously reported, the microstate tax-haven of Andorra will definitely not return to Eurovision in 2015 – it seems that the qualification of San Marino in Copenhagen has not changed the mindset of the people at Andorra Difusió. A statement on their website’s Eurovision page made it clear that the possibility of returning is not being considered at the moment. As the only state in Europe which speaks Catalan officially, Andorra is missing out on a rare opportunity to broadcast their language to Europe. Llàstima!
Turkey
Turkey’s an odd one. Despite generally high results at the contest, TRT withdrew in 2013. It looks certain that we won’t see them again. Citing unfair voting procedures and the pre-qualification of the Big Five to the final, the broadcaster wants to see changes that would put all nations on equal footing.
Last fall uneven ground led them to introduce ‘Turkvision’ – a Eurovision alternative proposed by TRT where Turkic nations and communities share their own languages and culture in song, strengthening pan-Turkic ties.
Others have suggested that the Turkish broadcaster is growing increasingly nervous about showing a contest that allows LGBT-friendly acts that feature two women kissing and drag queens. The liberal and open path that the Eurovision Song Contest is currently taking just doesn’t appeal. But we want Turkey back anyway. Who else will make our hearts go “düm tek tek”?
Morocco
1980 saw the debut of an unlikely entrant — Morocco. It marked the first time we heard Arabic sung at the Eurovision Song Contest. With the host broadcaster stating that it would never return after its 18th place in the final, it appears that unless the alternative broadcaster 2MTV gets EBU membership and goes for Eurovision, we won’t be seeing Morocco for a while. Whilst a return hasn’t been ruled out, it’s unlikely.
Monaco
Failing to qualify on three occasions after its return in 2004, and after having presented Europe with its “Coco Dance”, Monaco has stayed away — despite its long history as a dedicated participating nation. It appears that TMC has little financial support, which is surprising given how rich the principality is. The EBU works hard year after year to woo countries like Monaco back, but we won’t see a return in 2015. Monaco has already said no thank you.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s national broadcaster, BNT, was pretty blunt when it withdrew in 2013, citing the increase in the price of the participation fee. But they gave us hope earlier this summer when they confirmed they will participate at Junior Eurovision in Malta this November. Apparently the state broadcaster will be working in conjunction with a private broadcaster. Are they testing the waters for Eurovision? We certainly hope so. (A friend of ours who works closely with the state broadcaster claims they’ll be back).
Debuting countries at Eurovision 2015?
Now let’s take a look at countries that haven’t yet participated, but could…
North Africa: Algeria, Libya, Egypt and Tunisia
Algeria has 3 broadcasters with EBU standing which could participate: ENTV, ENRS and TDA. There also appears to be a small number of ESC fans in the country, who form part of the OGAE – Rest of the World group. The potential’s there. Libya’s ‘National Channel’ could also submit an application. But as the country is currently recovering from its 2011 revolution, it’s not likely. The same goes for Egypt — the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) is an associate EBU member.
Tunisia showed interest in 1977. Several preparations for a national final were made, but for unknown reasons Tunisia decided to withdraw in the months before the contest. Although never confirmed, rumours swirled that the government was not allowed to broadcast Israel’s performance because of existing legislation. The chances that Tunisia will return are small and the Tunisian government hasn’t made any attempt to return (although still an active member).
Lebanon
Lebanon was actually really close to participating in 2005. Sadly, this turned out to be one of the most turbulent bids in recent ESC history. Broadcaster ‘Télé Liban’ announced their participation at Eurovision in 2005. The French song ‘”Quand tout s’enfuit” was selected internally, and would be sung by Aline Lahoud.
However, the broadcaster refused to include Israel on the list of participating nations on its web site, suggesting that not all of the performances would be broadcast. The EBU saw no other option than to ban Lebanon from the contest for three years. The country hasn’t attempted to return.
Qatar
Qatar shows genuine interest in Eurovision. Qatar Radio has been an associate member of the EBU since 2009. That year broadcaster ‘Qatarbroadcast’ sent a small delegation of ‘Qatar Radio’ to Moscow for the radio show ‘12pointsQatar’. Presented by Haytham Jawhari and Martin, the show attracted quite a few listeners, and Qatar’s interest to become an active EBU member grew more serious.
Rumours had it that Qatar would participate in 2011—didn’t happen. But interest remains. If the EBU decides to grant Qatar active EBU membership, Qatar could very well début at the contest.
Liechtenstein
This microstate, located just between Switzerland and Austria, is one of the last European countries that has never participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. It did make an attempt in 1976 (with Biggi Bachmann and “Little Cowboy”). But without an EBU-accredited broadcaster, this just couldn’t work.
2008 saw the launch of Liechtenstein’s first broadaster – 1FLTV – though it’s unlikely that Liechtenstein will join the Eurovision family soon. According to managing director of 1FLTV Peter Kölbel, there simply aren’t the funds, especially if their government refuses to contribute financially. Perhaps the broadcaster is trying to convince the government to cough up some cash?
Kazakhstan
Kazakh state television has been broadcasting Eurovision since 2010, so the enthusiasm is there! There was a strong rumour going around in 2013 that Kazakhstan would be present in 2014, and we all know how that turned out. Should we get our hopes up again in 2015? Absolutely. Astana 2016!
Australia (though the distance might be a problem!)
Evidently Australia has a large number of Eurovision fans. So the country had the honour of being the interval act at Eurovision 2014. It also had its own press conference in Copenhagen, making it the only non-participating country with that honour. Despite the time difference, around 2 million Aussies watch the show every year. For many, it’s a possibility to re-connect with their European roots.
Although a trip to Sydney or Melbourne is tempting, this doesn’t seem very practical. The fanbase, the EBU delegation, the press—there is no way all these folks are gonna travel halfway around the globe.
Kingdom of the Netherlands: Aruba, Curaçao and Sint-Maarten
The Kingdom of the Netherlands technically contains four countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Sint-Maarten and Curaçao. It’s legally possible for the Kingdom of The Netherlands to participate. The advantage could be that the contest would increase its popularity in South America and the four countries could share the costs. Also, the islands have their fair share of musical flair. Perhaps the Netherlands could give this a try? Why not a sunny Caribbean tune with a guitar solo?
Willemstad, the sunny capital of Curacao, would not be a bad choice, but perhaps it’s a bit far for a Eurovision Song Contest. None of the three countries have the resources for an active EBU membership of their own.
Scotland (if independent)
Scotland has tried to participate in the past, but all attempts failed because the BBC has exclusive rights to represent the United Kingdom as a whole. However, the EBU would be willing to let Scotland apply for EBU membership (active or associate) through another broadcaster.
The referendum on Scottish independance will take place in September 2014. The proposed Scottish Broadcasting Service (SBS) in the independence white paper will provide the means for the first Scottish entry after the integration of the Scottish division of the BBC.
Jordan
Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) is an active member of the EBU and can apply for membership, but the country shows no interest. There might be more interest if more countries from the region took part, but that seems unlikely. It’s not yet clear how Israel’s potential withdrawal could affect the situation.
Kosovo (unsure)
The legal position on Kosovo’s statehood remains unclear, and therefore it’s unlikely that the country will enter any time soon. One of the requirements to become an EBU member is UN membership, which the country doesn’t have. That said, the EBU did make an exception once: Kosovo participated in the 2011 Eurovision Young Dancers contest.
The Kosovarian broadcaster RTK and EBU signed an agreement in 2013, which gave Kosovo the status of observer. Kosovo doesn’t lack possible entries, seeing that there are videos which carry titles like ‘Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Kosovo‘ on Youtube. The Eurovision fanbase in Kosovo is significant and the call for membership from fans could motivate RKT to keep working on its membership.
Catalonia (if independent)
As with Scotland, Catalonia could one day declare independence from Spain. It’s a hot topic and we know that it won’t be easy. But, as Andorra isn’t coming back any time soon, a prospective Catalonian participation would be a good platform for Catalan culture and language. With Portugal being an uncertain factor, sometimes deciding to skip a year, Catalonia could be a welcome addition from southern Europe. It’s clear that Catalonia has a rich musical heritage to bring to the table.
Catalonia has six channels, but TV3 (Televisió de Catalunya) is the most likely choice. However, the broadcaster has faced some budget cuts in recent years, and it’s not clear if the broadcaster could fund participation.
What do you all think? Which countries do you hope return for Eurovision 2015 in Austria?
It would be great if Kazakhstan will join ESC. It’ll great chance to show our culture to other countries. And also great chance to show that we aren’t poor and horrible country how was filmed in “Borat”. For all haters: We’re regular modern country, and our cities could host ESC very well i think, not worther than Baku, lol
Australia is a nice idea, despite the impracticalities. However, May in Australia is Autumn.
I am Australian and absolutely LOVE Eurovision – we have a party every year it’s just so much fun. I understand why some Australians want to compete because most of our ancestors are from Europe, but we as a country are not. The problem is that because of our European background we are not included in Asia either… I have to say that I don’t think we should compete even though I love it so much. We aren’t European and that’s that. Can’t wait until Eurovision 2015!!
I would like to see a lot of the countries to be in Eurovision within the next 5 years. I have a girl going to my school from Scotland and she loves the idea of an independent Scotland doing better than the U.K. , also I would love for Monaco to come back. I loved La Coco Dance. I hope there is Hawaiian language in Eurovision soon. Aloha Zach
I don’t think Gibraltar can participate since it is a part of The United Kingdom.
I really hope we will break the record of 43 countries in 2015. That would be nice since it is the 60th edition, but I don’t think it is possible since Turkey, Monaco, Andorra, Luxembourg and Bulgaria, B&H and Serbia probably don’t as well.
What about Gibraltar? They could be a potential country at Eurovision.
If australia participate, then it isn’t EUROvision anymore. It’s bad enough having Azerbaijan, Armenia and Israel in! Out of the 3, i only like Armenia’s songs, but they aren’t Europe! If we let Australia in, we should let the USA in, although that would be the end of it i think. Would be a huge shame.
Australia is never going to freaking participate in Eurovision….
Why does everyone want them in?!
shall we remember Gina G?
She may have represented the UK, but she was pure Aussie blood!!
I’m sure that if Kazakhstan sent Borat singing the Kazakhstani anthem, they would still place in the top 10.
Kazakhstan greatest country in the world,
Home of tinshein swimming pool.
@JustBeingHonest: I don’t really think that is possible. According to EBU rules, artist(s) have to live in at least 2 years or be from the country that they represent. But I saw on one website that Australia is going to make a debut in 2015 contest.
Enough with the Australian mentions already! If Aussies wanna go to Eurovision, then pick a country out of the participating countries right now (eg. UK, Sweden) and represent them instead. Problem solved.
@CookyMonsta: Don’t forget Jane Comerford, the lead singer of Texas Lightning. She’s originally from Australia.
@Dar, Darren: Aye. The only way an Australian can be allowed to compete in this contest is the same way American Katrina Leskanich and Canadian Celine Dion competed: Katrina was lead-singer for her band the Waves, whose home base is the U.K.; and Celine was requested by Swiss songwriters/producers to sing their song.
I would like to see Australia on the contest.
WE could See countries like Monaco or Czech Republic if Jon Ola sand would work with the Same Energy that Vlad Yakovlev is doing with jesc.
In my opinion, Vatican City should not participate, but I actually don’t think they can, because they don’t have music industry professionals for the jury (do they?) and EBU shouldn’t let Kosovo, Catalonia and Australia to participate, for first and second because they aren’t independed and third because they are not Europe, as in European broadcasting union.
Only possible is probably Kazakhstan (from all that haven’t made debut), I don’t think that North African countries will make their debut, but Kazakh entry will cause a lot of bloc voting. Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Andorra, as well as Czech rep and Slovakia have already announced that they won’t participate in ESC 2015. Ex-YU countries: probably only Croatia, since Serbia’s RTS isn’t finantionaly strong at the moment and B&H seems to lost interest… Bulgaria: I don’t now… This country has passed to final only once, so that may be a reason for lack of interest in public or broadcaster.… Read more »
If Kazakhstan debut, we could see a new Dima Bilan represent them, like Farid Mammadov last year. Or maybe a Kazakh Ruslana.
I love Australia, but I think their only role in Eurovision is an interval act like they did in 2014, same with any other country like Canada or the US, however, they could create their own version of the song contest, like for example, the US, have all 50 states participate and they could include Canada and Mexico, and same with Australia, New Zealand and the rest of Oceania…something to think about! And yes, Vatican City should début, and I just don’t think Kazakhstan should be in Eurovision, but at least they can be in Türkvisyion, which Crimea is now… Read more »
Why is Australia even mentioned? How could it be a member of the EBU?
@Deven
My uncle works for a big oil company back in Albania and he got the opportunity to visit Astana (the capital,) Almaty (the main city) and poverty isn’t a major issue, but crime is. However, I don’t think that Almaty/Astana has anywhere to host it so they will probably build a new venue
Luxembourg has already confirmed its non-participation, per ESCToday. I would like to see the Balkan states all come back, to be honest. One reason is just diversity of language. There were only three songs this year without any words in English (Quero ser tua, Moj svijet, la mia città). But more to the point each one of those missing countries has had at least one of my favorite recent entries, I think. I’d be interested in seeing what Liechtenstein had to offer. Vatican City would be novel, but quite unlikely. I did just look at the Eurovision rules, and they… Read more »
What about Greenland or Åland?
Vatican City to debut? It would be awesome..
It would be great for Kazakhstan joining Eurovision 2015, they have a great chance to show their culture to the world. Don’t forget that they hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games, they will host the Expo 2017, and the have a bid for hosting the 2022 Winter Games. I think that if they participate this year, they could win with the help of their neighbours and “friends”, like Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus…
NO! No Kazakstan, Uzbekistan or any other stan, please. We have enough countries with bizarre relations to one another. Nul points from Azerbaijan to Russia in 2013 led to protests in Moscow which led to douze points from Azerbaijan to Russia in 2014. Enough already! (And IMO those two countries should be thrown out anyway),
If they let australia join than the likes of china,canada,new zealand would go like (australia are allowed participate whats to stop us?) it will turn from eurovision to world vision and a situation that I don’t think tuck test could recover from and is it really worth it…I don’t think so.
I could see ireland piping uk for the douze, scotland seem to have a much better relationship up with ireland than the uk (england in particular)
The uk public always vote ireland highly, it’s the jury that’s the problem, every year since ireland returned to the final in 2010 Ireland has won the uk televoting but has been screwed over by the juries.
no mention of the faroe islands who have their own broadcaster and succesful singers? are you fucking kidding me
Vatican City should send that singing nun from the Italian version of the Voice.
1. she can sing
2. she’s showcasing Vatican culture
I am fed up with people saying an independent Scotland will set a voting bloc. I’m half scottish and half english. I will only vote for my northern neighbours if the song is good. Give the UK credit, Ireland gives us points, but we dont tend to give many back. We are not political.
Hope Bosnia Hercegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria join. I hope all country could
Most of the possible debuts are fantasised rubbish. Australia? Seriously?
Kazakhstan seems like the only possible one
However, while I think Kazakhstan could well and truly win Eurovision with the right song. You have to consider the country’s human rights record. It is worse than that of Azerbaijan and there is alot of poverty with a huge amount of injustice. One example of that is the President of Kazakhstan had organised for Kanye West to perform a concert for his grandson’s birthday. I don’t that is right. Especially in a country where there are alot of poor people and susceptible to vicious riots. If Kazakhstan win, countries need to take drastic measures in terms of security and… Read more »
@Deven, Albania and the former Yugoslavia aren’t Turkic countries. If you asked people in Albania what Kazakhstan is they probably would have no clue. Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and possibly Moldova would all give Kazakhstan very high points, as Kazakhstan is a minor regional power. I think they might be the next Azerbaijan if you understand what I’m saying
As someone living in Ireland and an Albanian, I know that Scotland-Ireland-UK would become the new Balkans (eg: 8 points from Scotland go to [for example] Croatia, 10 points go to Ireland and 12 points to the United Kingdom; the UK gives 8 to Greece, 10 points go to Ireland and 12 points are for Scotland). If Kosovo join however if they win we will go to Pristina and Pristina isn’t a nice place and no way Jose could it host Eurovision! The Lebanon and Egypt are the epicentres of the Arab music industry, so they could do well. With… Read more »
If Kazakhstan debuts in Vienna, I expect strong support to/from the following countries (In no order): 1. UKRAINE & RUSSIA (Kazakhstan will probably follow suit with what Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia do and award 10 and 12 points to Ukraine and Russia and receive 10 or 12 from these countries.) 3. AZERBAIJAN (Very strong support) 4. TURKEY (Heavy points exchange if they return.) 5. ARMENIA 6. GEORGIA 7. MOLDOVA 8. BELARUS (I expect very good support to and from Belarus.) 9. BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA (Turkic countries are very liable to vote strongly for eachother. If Sarajevo returns to ESC in Vienna,… Read more »
Kazakhstan needs to join the European Council in order to be in the European Broadcasting Area join the EBU in order to join Eurovision, but until . Serbia needs to stop putting a barricade on Kosovo in order for Kosovo to join the EBU. If Kosovo joins, we all know it will be like Andorra-Spain or Greece-Cyprus (12 points to eachother each year) with Albania
This all looks like a circus wish … it’s like wanting a semi final every day a week with a over the top number of countries for no reason … Focus on wanting some great songs instead of wanting to make Eurovision into an endless mess .. it’s messy already for all reasons …. And if certain nations do not wish to participate, who cares … this drama around Turkey, Luxembourg and former Yugoslav countries is just out of hand. Morocco participated once 34 years ago … is that so earth shattering? Do we really want to empower the already… Read more »
@LEAPearce
Im Irish and I am pretty sure Scotland will do what Ireland does…give high points to the UK.
Ireland, UK and Scotland would be neighbours…are voting bloc would be similar to Scandinavia.
I’m English and would be sad to see Scotland leave the UK. It would only be a matter of time before We are all separate countries…and I can’t cheer on Andy Murray in the tennis anymore 😛
But another neighbour wouldn’t be bad now would it 😛 we’d feel how Belarus Russia and Azerbaijan do for a change! Then again, I doubt Scotland would ever exactly give points to the UK :S
I think if Israel is to withdraw, Lebanon will debut, and I think Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia and Serbia will return, and if Scotland does brake from the UK, they definitely will debut and possibly in the junior edidition as well if they broadcasted the 2013 edidition. I think Israel will withdraw this year due to the crisis at the moment, as well as their broadcasting station and them not qualifying since 2010.
I really want Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Luxembourg to come back.
I want Kosovo, Lebanon and Scotland to debut soon.
I would DETEST a Kazakh debut. If Kazakhstan won, the contest would have to be held there and I am not comfortable with having Astana host ESC (It would be worse than Baku.).
@djtiggeh
It would be nice to see a nice little voting-bloc set up between Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom.
Plus Scotland wouldnt be part of the big 5, so Ireland could have some friends in the semis…like the other countries do.
Hmm, if Scotland were to gain independence and take part (and I say if, seeing I am Scottish and very indiferrent to any outcome), I wonder if other countries would share some love with us instead of what would be left of the United Kingdom XD
Get realistic!!!
Having Australia participate would completely undermine the concept of the show!
Its actually idiotic to even suggest such a thing.
I would like to see Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein and Lebanon debut however, although, I can kind of imagine how a Kazkh entry would go…they would miraculously qualify every year without fail, and rely heavily on bloc votes from Russia, Belarus and Azerbaijan (especially)…and we already have enough of those kind of countries. As for returns, I would love to see Andorra, Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Monaco return to the contest, but it seems unlikely.
It would be a silly stupid decision to let Australia participate ..