Ksenija Horvat: “Slovenia May Not Participate in Eurovision 2026”

The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO is expected to withdraw from participating in Eurovision 2026, amid ongoing debates regarding Israel’s inclusion, and is currently holding internal discussions on the matter.

The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO, headed by Ksenija Horvat, is among the leading voices against Israel within the EBU. At the annual meeting of the Slovenian broadcaster this week, the agenda included, among other topics, the issue of whether the country should participate in Eurovision 2026. The discussion stemmed primarily from the meeting of the planning–production committee (PPN), which dealt with proposals to adjust the entertainment department’s programming. Eurovision participation emerged as a significant factor in the debate. Could Slovenia be preparing to withdraw from the upcoming competition?

Originally, RTVSLO planned to introduce a new show in the fall, modeled after Israel’s “The Next Star for Eurovision” — a competitive music program featuring both established and emerging artists, infused with humor and rivalry, with contestants advancing to the Slovenian national preselection “EMA 2026”. However, instead of moving forward with this new format, entertainment editor Mario Galunic suggested extending the broadcast of the popular quiz show “Joker”. The committee unanimously supported his proposal, and the national broadcaster approved it, effectively dismissing the idea of launching a Slovenian version of “HaKokhav HaBa”.

Horvat Explains the Situation to the Broadcasting Council

Following the committee’s conclusions, RTVSLO’s director general Ksenija Horvat addressed council members to clarify Slovenia’s position:

“In the work plan for the second half of the year, we intended to launch a new entertainment program, which was meant to serve as the foundation for the Eurovision 2026 preselection… We repeatedly appealed to the EBU, requesting that they engage with smaller broadcasters like ours about the participation rules… We sent very concrete questions and proposals — as we did last year. Then, they ignored us, and now, once again, the same story. Therefore, we truly believe we may not even be able to enter the preselection… If no appropriate agreements are reached — we simply will not be there”.

She continued:

“The second reason is that the TV quiz show ‘Joker,’ even after seven years on air, achieved record viewership last year. Therefore, we decided to extend it for another six months… All of these elements have come together, but the central reason is that we probably will not participate in Eurovision 2026”.

Horvat, a well-known critic of Israel, adds her voice to the mounting skepticism in Slovenia in recent days. Just last week, Alenka Gotar, Slovenia’s representative at Eurovision 2007 and a former member of RTVSLO’s executive council, expressed doubts about the country’s future participation, stating that Slovenia is likely to withdraw due to Israel’s participation.

Early Intervention by the Public Ombudswoman

Marica Uršič Zupan, RTVSLO’s public ombudswoman, published recommendations on August 18th ahead of the broadcaster’s 2026 programming plan. Referring to feedback from viewers, listeners, and readers, she emphasized:

“It is essential to preserve broadcasts of established music festivals and cultural events”.

Deadlines and EBU’s Flexibility

The deadline for countries to register for Eurovision 2026 is September 15th. The European Broadcasting Union recently extended the withdrawal deadline without financial penalty from October to December, coinciding with the expected decision regarding Israel’s participation. At that time, a new discussion is expected to take place between Slovenia’s national broadcaster and the European Broadcasting Union, following up on unresolved concerns previously raised by Ksenija Horvat.

Slovenia at Eurovision 2025

“How Much Time Do We Have Left” is the title of the song performed by singer Klemen in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025. Slovenia failed to qualify for the grand final, after two consecutive years of success. The country finished 13th out of 15, earning only 23 points.