The Slovak national broadcaster STVR has confirmed that Slovakia will not participate in Eurovision 2026—however, it leaves the door open for a possible return in the future and expresses optimism.
Following earlier reports that Slovakia was reconsidering the possibility of returning to Eurovision, the national broadcaster has now confirmed that this will not happen at Eurovision 2026; however, the door remains open for future participation, as previously reported.
The Slovak national broadcaster has officially confirmed Slovakia’s absence from Eurovision 2026 in response to an inquiry by an Israeli Eurovision fan. According to the broadcaster: “Slovak participation in Eurovision is considered annually. However, due to the absence of a stable management at STVR and the current financial situation of the Slovak public national broadcaster, it was decided at a very early stage that participation is not feasible (under the present conditions).”
The broadcaster, however, has not ruled out future participation entirely. As previously stated by Filip Púchovský, a spokesperson from the broadcaster’s public relations and marketing department, and reiterated again: “With the establishment of a new and appointed management, we intend to reassess Slovakia’s participation in international projects, including Eurovision. It is not impossible that, in the future—under favorable financial and content circumstances—we will seek to return to the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The broadcaster also pointed out—as do many small broadcasters across Europe—that the costs of participating in Eurovision are “disproportionately high, compared to the overall income or public impact.” It is clear why such an event can be overwhelming for a small, underfunded national broadcaster like Slovakia’s, which operates on a minimal budget and, lacks strong governmental financial support.
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.
