Liechtenstein’s Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, reveals the reasons behind the principality’s ongoing absence from Eurovision 2026, raising questions about the contest’s accessibility for smaller nations.
Liechtenstein’s Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, has officially announced that the small principality will not join the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled to take place next May in Austria. Her detailed statement follows Liechtenstein’s historical absence from the competition and rekindles Europe-wide discussions about the nation’s ambitions and capabilities in the cultural and musical arenas.
“We Lack the Necessary Means”
Haas stated in her press release: “Liechtenstein will not participate in Eurovision 2026. As a proud nation, we very much wanted to see our flag on the Eurovision stage, but at this point, we have to admit that we lack the essential means: an adequate budget, production infrastructure, and an independent national broadcaster – all of which are critical to ensuring successful and fair participation.”
She also addressed the European Broadcasting Union’s regulations and the closure of the country’s public radio: “The closure of our public radio service in the past year has posed an insurmountable challenge for us at this time, as membership in the European Broadcasting Union is a prerequisite for participation. We have a rich musical tradition and a vibrant cultural scene, but we must remain realistic – the well-being of our citizens, investment in education and healthcare, are currently our top priorities. Perhaps one day we will fulfill this dream, but for now we choose social and economic resilience.”
Small Market, Big Cultural Politics
Liechtenstein remains the only European country that has never officially competed in Eurovision, although its citizens and leaders have repeatedly expressed a desire to see their flag on the international stage. Similar to Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, this reveals an ongoing tension between small nations’ cultural identities and the economic-regulatory challenges they face.
In an era where Eurovision productions are expanding dramatically, entry into the contest’s exclusive club of nations demands vast resources. The closure of the public station LI Radio over the past year has only reinforced the reality that without proper media infrastructure, the government lacks the practical means to participate.
Eurovision and Structural Barriers for Small States
Industry voices have increasingly highlighted how Eurovision, ahead of its 70th anniversary celebrations, is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller countries to access due to the intertwining of politics, economics, and regulation. Creativity and visibility on the international stage are often sacrificed when confronted with the structural limitations imposed on microstates.
