Albania may withdraw from Eurovision 2026 due to the Albanian national broadcaster RTSH’s severe debts, raising serious doubts about its participation after 22 consecutive years.
Europe is long accustomed to musical dramas on the Eurovision stage, but this year the biggest crisis may not come from the spotlight — rather from alarming decisions made by national broadcasters. Albania, a country that over the last two decades has become a consistent part of the Eurovision family, now faces the risk of withdrawing from Eurovision 2026. Unusually, this time the issue has nothing to do with Israel. So why might Albania pull out after 22 years?
“A Catastrophic Situation”
Eni Vasili, head of Albania’s national broadcaster RTSH, sounded dramatic when describing the channel’s situation: severe debts, months of unpaid obligations, and producers left uncompensated for their work. According to her, mismanagement by the former administration left the network in what she called “a financial disaster”.
In an interview with news outlet BIRN, Vasili revealed further details regarding the crisis. Several writers and creators have complained about months-long delays in payment from RTSH. She stated:
“I thank all those involved in projects from March to June 2025 for their understanding regarding the broadcaster’s delays in payments. Of course, it is not their fault that they were promised projects that could not be paid for, but that does not make the new management responsible, considering that we found ourselves in a catastrophic situation of debts and obligations […] At present, we are trying first to pay off international commitments, some of which have remained unpaid since January 2024. These debts could put the broadcaster at risk of losing its partnership with the EBU and its participation in Eurovision”.
Will Albania Withdraw From Eurovision 2026?
If Albania’s national broadcaster ultimately decides not to take part, it would mark the country’s first absence from the competition since debuting in 2004. This development adds Albania to the uncertain group surrounding Eurovision 2026, alongside Slovenia and Ireland — two countries already threatening withdrawal — as well as three others still postponing their final decision. Together, these uncertainties leave serious doubts about how many nations will appear on stage in Vienna next year.
Historical precedents show this would not be the first time financial woes disrupted Eurovision participation. On April 22nd, 2016, Romania was disqualified from the contest in Stockholm due to unpaid debts to the EBU, despite having already selected Ovidiu Anton with the song “Moment of Silence” and securing a spot in the running order. Likewise, on January 22nd, 2025, Moldova dramatically announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2025 due to financial struggles, a decision that shocked fans and further highlighted the precarious situation of smaller broadcasters.
Albania at Eurovision 2025
“Zjerm” (in English: “Fire”), performed by the duo Shkodra Elektronike, represented Albania at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Albania qualified for the final from the first semi-final in second place with 122 points and finished eighth in the grand final with 218 points – 45 from the jury and 173 from the public.
Eurovision 2025: This was Albania’s 21st participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Albania joined the competition in 2004 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2012 when singer Rona Nishliu reached fifth place with the song “Suus”.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
