Eurovision 2027 participation list takes shape, Israel controversy continues

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, announced on Wednesday that 36 countries have confirmed their participation in the 2027 edition.

Spain and Slovenia, which refused to participate in 2026 in protest against Israel’s presence, have until December to decide whether to return to the competition, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Spanish broadcaster RTVE and Slovenian broadcaster RTVSLO, which were absent from this year’s contest, “have not yet decided whether they will participate in Eurovision 2027,” the EBU announced, according to the EFE news agency.

“Recognizing the complexity of the issue, the EBU has decided to give both broadcasters until December to confirm their participation,” the organization said in a statement.

The other three countries that boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation—the Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland—have already announced that they will not take part in 2027.

The Netherlands initially announced that it would return to the competition but later reversed its decision, sparking protests among staff at the country’s public broadcaster.

The main developments in the list of participating countries for 2027 are Canada’s debut and North Macedonia’s return after a four-year absence.

At the 2026 contest, held in Vienna, 35 contestants took part. Bulgarian singer DARA won with her song “Bangaranga,” while Israel finished in second place, sparking further controversy.

Following another edition marked by controversy, the EBU introduced changes to the organization of the festival. The contest will no longer be allowed to take place in countries involved in conflicts or considered “geopolitically sensitive,” potentially including Israel or Ukraine. According to EFE, the changes are intended to encourage countries that previously withdrew to reconsider their decisions.

The 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place from May 11 to 15, 2027, in the Bulgarian city of Burgas.

Thirty-one countries will compete in the semi-finals, while Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy are guaranteed places in the final as members of the “Big Five,” the EBU’s main financial contributors. Spain is also a member of the Big Five. Bulgaria, as the host country, will also qualify directly for the final.

Photo: Eurovision Song Contest/Facebook.com