Slovakia may return to Eurovision after a 12-year hiatus, pending commercial support and approval from the new management. Is this decision final?
After a 12-year absence, a surprising turn of events has emerged from the Eastern European nation: the Slovak national broadcaster, RTVS, has confirmed that it is reconsidering participation in Eurovision, provided that favorable financial and artistic conditions are met. This marks the first official signal from the country since 2012 and is particularly intriguing in light of the recent wave of smaller countries seeking creative ways to secure their spot in Eurovision 2026.
A New Outlook – Hope Under New Management
According to Filip Púchovský, spokesperson for the communications and marketing department at RTVS, the main obstacle preventing Slovakia’s participation in recent years has always been budgetary. However, this time there is openness to working with commercial partners.
“Many small countries participate in the contest thanks to private sector and sponsor support, […] and Slovakia has not yet tried this approach.”
He explained. Unlike in the past, there is now a tone of optimism:
“With the appointment of a properly selected new management, RTVS will reconsider the possibility of participating in international projects – including Eurovision.”
Púchovský noted. Thus, Slovakia’s return may not be driven solely by artistic ambition, but also by commercial factors that could change the game for smaller nations.
When Funding Meets Passion
As someone who has followed the contest for about 15 years, I have often observed how even countries with limited budgets can move Europe – just as Bosnia and Herzegovina left a mark in 2006 with the song “Lejla”, which secured third place in the grand final. Slovakia, too, could surprise if the necessary resources are found. This is not merely about a television appearance, but about broad international exposure that can sometimes lead to tourism, cultural, and economic impacts.
I was impressed that Púchovský did not shy away from the difficulties, but instead presented a realistic picture of the budget-exposure balance. According to him, it was previously found that:
“The costs of production, logistics, and royalties are disproportionately high compared to the revenue or ratings.”
Yet, in conversations I have had with fans in the EuroMix community, many believe that Slovakia could once again captivate Europe – especially in an era where song quality is rising, but some large-scale productions sometimes feel emotionally detached.
From Past to Future: Between Skepticism and Hope
Slovakia’s last Eurovision appearance was in 2012, when Max Jason Mai was sent with “Don’t Close Your Eyes” – a rock song that finished last in the semi-final. This was not the first time Slovakia failed to qualify for the final. Funding issues, a small domestic audience, and a lack of previous successes led to the withdrawal. However, countries such as Malta, San Marino, and even Georgia have shown in recent years that persistence, originality, and the right – even commercial – support can lead to success.
Experience shows that the right combination of focused investment, a unique cultural narrative, and support from the local community can change the picture. In recent years, thanks to growing fan communities, public awareness of the contest within Slovakia has also increased – a trend that could soon tip the scales.
Slovakia in Eurovision
Slovakia joined the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and participated twice more in 1996 and 1998, but did not achieve significant results. In 2000, the Slovak national broadcaster announced its withdrawal from the contest, returning only in 2009. Slovakia participated four more times consecutively, and after failing to qualify for the final each time, announced its final withdrawal in 2013 and has since refused to return. Slovakia has participated a total of seven times so far.
