MRT confirms Eurovision 2026 broadcast as North Macedonia increases efforts toward a possible Eurovision 2027 return.
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest features 35 countries – the lowest participation figure in several years – and the European Broadcasting Union is actively seeking returning nations to fill the gap. North Macedonia is widely considered one of the leading candidates to return for Eurovision 2027. The Macedonian national broadcaster MRT has already expressed interest in rejoining the contest, is expected to host Junior Eurovision this coming November, and will broadcast the competition from Vienna next week.
North Macedonia to Broadcast Eurovision 2026
The North Macedonian national broadcaster has released polished promotional trailers for Eurovision and proudly announced that it will air the contest. The move demonstrates that MRT is not cooperating with the boycott initiative promoted by several Western European countries, and more importantly, signals clear intentions to return soon.
According to European Broadcasting Union rules, a country wishing to return to Eurovision – or participate for the first time – must broadcast the previous edition of the contest. North Macedonia’s decision is therefore being interpreted as a direct signal of renewed interest.
Junior Eurovision 2026 in Skopje?
Another indication of North Macedonia’s serious commitment toward the EBU concerns Junior Eurovision 2026, a contest in which the country has continued to participate consistently. MRT has reportedly held discussions with the European Broadcasting Union regarding hosting this year’s competition.
According to online reports, as well as comments reportedly made accidentally by executives from the San Marinese national broadcaster, North Macedonia is indeed expected to host the contest. If confirmed, this would mark the first time the country hosts an event produced under the Eurovision brand.
North Macedonia sees the event as a major opportunity for international exposure and as an additional platform to support and promote young musical talent within the country.
Official Support for Eurovision 2027 Participation
During an MRT programming council meeting held on December 11th, 2025, council members expressed clear support for participating in Eurovision 2027.
During the meeting, council chairman Davor Pasoski updated members about his participation in the European Broadcasting Union General Assembly earlier that month. According to Pasoski, discussions with EBU representatives highlighted strong enthusiasm surrounding a possible North Macedonian return to the Eurovision stage in 2027. The EBU also reportedly expressed willingness to provide technical and organizational support to facilitate the country’s participation, following North Macedonia’s previous decision to delay its return due to economic reasons.
During the same meeting, the Macedonian council emphasized the importance of early preparations to ensure the country would be represented in the best possible way. This comes alongside renewed institutional support for local Macedonian music.
A Stronger Return in 2027
The target of Eurovision 2027 is increasingly shaping up as a sensible move. It allows MRT to build a comprehensive Eurovision strategy, define a dedicated budget, and select a representative in a measured and professional manner. This is an approach seen in other countries that returned after a break — most notably Luxembourg, which made a successful comeback in 2024 following a long absence, after investing in professional and financial analysis of the contest.
In light of North Macedonia’s renewed commitment to its music industry and its development, the country appears to be moving with steady steps toward a potentially memorable comeback.
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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Ofek Jerassi is an Israeli reporter, editor, content creator, and commentator, specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has developed his extensive expertise since childhood, becoming a close follower of the contest. For the past three years, he has served as a writer and editor for EuroMix—Israel’s largest Eurovision website and one of the world’s leading platforms in the field, with over 1.5 million users annually.
Ofek covered Eurovision 2025 on-site in Basel from the press center in the host city, providing EuroMix readers with firsthand experiences, professional analysis, and exclusive reactions from the audience, artists, and experts. His in-depth knowledge and broad familiarity with the Eurovision world are evident in every article, ensuring reliable, professional, and up-to-date content.
In his personal life, Ofek is a medic and avid traveler. He writes out of a genuine love for Eurovision, placing strong emphasis on credibility, professional commentary, and presenting a diverse range of opinions.
