North Macedonia has not yet confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026, but could strategic plans for 2027 mark its comeback? MRT Council President shares details about the country’s Eurovision future.
Davor Pašoski, head of the MRT Council, disclosed during a Board of Directors meeting on September 19th early plans to broadcast Eurovision 2026 from Vienna, Austria. Although the country has not yet confirmed participation, the rising public pressure to return is making its mark, with signs pointing to a possible comeback – if not in 2026, then potentially in 2027.
Particularly encouraging statements came from Pašoski regarding a Macedonian Eurovision comeback. In a meeting with Zaharija Vulgarakis, Chair of the national broadcaster, it was revealed that MRT’s budget is expected to be approved by the Macedonian government and may expand if the country returns to Eurovision. These details emerged after Vulgarakis addressed the country’s absence in recent editions, citing financial and organizational difficulties as the cause between 2023 and 2025.
Additional optimism came from another MRT executive, Mile Grozdanoski, who stressed that Eurovision is culturally and image-wise important for North Macedonia, insisting preparations should begin as early as possible. He added that they are already behind schedule for Eurovision 2026.
Pašoski agreed with Grozdanoski’s assessment, noting that for a successful return, strategic planning should begin now for Eurovision 2027. He confirmed that budgets will also be allocated to local music festivals such as “Cvetnici” and “Skopje Fest”. The latter has served as North Macedonia’s national selection platform for Eurovision in numerous years – 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002–2004, 2008–2011, and 2015.
Will North Macedonia Return in 2026?
North Macedonia’s last participation in the Eurovision Song Contest was in 2022. The country withdrew due to financial difficulties but has continued to participate in Junior Eurovision, with another representative expected this year. Reports indicate that ties with the Eurovision brand have been maintained and public demand for a return is strong. Approval to broadcast the contest signals that interest remains high.
The Macedonian national broadcaster exhibits optimism. If not in 2026, signs of action toward a 2027 comeback are evident. Public opinion appears to have reignited Eurovision as a regular discussion topic in North Macedonia. Fans now eagerly hope to see the Macedonian flag raised on stage in Vienna – or wherever the next contest will be held.
North Macedonia in Eurovision: Standing Proud Even in Difficult Times
North Macedonia has participated in Eurovision 21 times but has never won. Six times the country did not take part, and twice it submitted entries that were later disqualified. The first instance was in 1996, when Kaliopi failed to pass the qualification stage with her song “Samo Ti“ (in English: “Only You”). The second was in 2020, planned with Vasil Garvanliev and his song “You“, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vasil returned the following year.
The country withdrew from the contest 6 times: In 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2023–2025. Historically, it has struggled in the contest, with long streaks of failing to reach the final. In its first participation in 1998, Vlado Janevski performed “Ne Zori, Zoro“ (in English: “Don’t Rise, Sun”), finishing 19th. The country initially missed the contest in alternating years until the introduction of the semifinal system. Brief stability followed, including Elena Risteska’s 12th-place finish in 2006 with “Ninanajna“, a result matched in 2012 by Kaliopi with “Crno i Belo”.
North Macedonia has only qualified for 6 finals out of 18 editions. The country endured consecutive non-qualification streaks from 2008–2011 and 2013–2018. Following its official name change to “North Macedonia” in February 11th, 2019, the country achieved its best-ever result when Tamara Todevska reached 7th place with “Proud”.
Yet following this high point, North Macedonia’s results again turned bleak, failing to replicate the success in Tel Aviv and suffering fresh setbacks in 2021–2022. Since Eurovision 2022, it has been absent from Liverpool, Malmö, and Basel. The question remains – will North Macedonia end its absence at Vienna in 2026?
North Macedonia in Eurovision 2022
Andrea represented North Macedonia with her song “Circles” after winning the local national final. She competed in the second semi-final and finished in 11th place with 76 points.
Eurovision 2022: This was North Macedonia’s 21st participation in Eurovision. North Macedonia joined the competition in 1998 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2019 when singer Tamara Todevska finished in seventh place with the song “Proud”.
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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.
