Albania’s Eurovision 2026 participation in Vienna is confirmed after resolving debts with the EBU. How was the crisis solved?
The Albanian national broadcaster RTSH is in the midst of preparations for the 64th edition of the national Eurovision selection, “Festivali i Këngës”. However, its place in Eurovision 2026 was recently in jeopardy, as reports indicated the broadcaster was facing major unpaid debts to the European Broadcasting Union. How did RTSH overcome the crisis?
“Financial Disaster” – The Breaking Point?
Eni Vasili, head of RTSH, described a few days ago the broadcaster’s state: heavy debts, long-overdue payments, and producers, writers, and creators left without compensation. According to her, leftover debts from the previous management placed RTSH 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”.
Albania Secures Eurovision 2026 Participation
It has now been reported that Albania’s spot in Eurovision 2026 has been secured after RTSH successfully renegotiated its debts with the EBU. According to reports, these debts included roughly 31,780 euros in unpaid service costs and nearly 138,000 Swiss francs in membership fees and other commitments.
The EBU and RTSH ultimately reached an agreement that ensures a clear repayment plan. Had RTSH failed to settle these debts, its broadcasting rights would have been endangered, including potential disqualification from Eurovision, loss of coverage rights for sports events, and a broader threat to Albania’s cooperation with European media partners.
This resolution is seen as especially significant amid mounting tensions, with several countries threatening to withdraw if Israel participates in the 2026 contest. Among them are The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain. Additionally, Iceland and Belgium will decide in December, when Israel’s participation will be finalized.
Major Changes Ahead for the National Festival
Alongside resolving its financial situation, Albania is energetically preparing for its national selection contest. According to Elhaida Dani, the artistic director of Festivali i Këngës and Albania’s 2015 Eurovision representative, the winner will once again be decided by a combination of jury and public vote.
For the first time, however, the public will also have the option to vote via a dedicated app—a move intended to improve accessibility and engagement. Additionally, the production is being elevated with a larger, more impressive stage for the 64th edition.
It was further revealed that RTSH plans to expand the festival’s reach through new podcasts and television shows, making the competition more accessible and prominent for viewers.
Prominent Artists Set to Compete in “Festivali i Këngës 64”
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Manjola Nallbani – has participated nine times (1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2017, and 2022), making the finals each time and winning in 1989, 1992, and 1993.
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Arilena Ara – won the festival with the song “Shaj” (in English: “Scream”) on December 19th, 2019, and was selected to represent Albania at Eurovision 2020 with the English version of the song, “Fall From The Sky“. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the contest was canceled, and Ara missed her chance to perform at Eurovision.
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Anxhela Peristeri – won the festival on December 23rd, 2020, with the song “Karma“. She represented Albania at Eurovision 2021 and finished in 21st place with 57 points.
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Pirro Cako – a prolific songwriter whose works have frequently been featured in the competition, won on December 25th, 1988, with the song “E Duam Lumturinë” (in English: “We Love Happiness”), performed by Parashqevi Simaku.
What Should We Know About “Festivali i Këngës”?
“Festivali i Këngës,” held continuously since 1961, has served since its 43rd edition, ahead of Eurovision 2004, as Albania’s national selection platform for the contest. In recent years, the format has undergone changes: alongside the traditional jury vote, a public voting element was introduced — a move intended to increase public engagement, but one that sparked debates over whether artistic judgment or popularity should prevail. Within the competition itself, it appears that Albania continues to maintain a distinctive identity, consistently sending entries that reflect its style, tradition, and language.
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 2026: This will be Albania’s 22nd 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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Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
