Monegasque broadcaster TVMONACO has yet to examine Eurovision 2027 participation as financial and logistical challenges continue to hinder Monaco’s return.
The tiny principality of Monaco, located on the French Riviera, sent numerous representatives to the Eurovision Song Contest and even won the competition in 1971. After withdrawing in 2006, however, the country has recently shown signs of renewed interest in the contest. TVMONACO successfully secured a seat on the Board of Directors of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), demonstrating Monaco’s growing involvement within the EBU and potentially its interest in a future Eurovision return.
The situation, however, is more complex. The smallest country ever to participate in – and win – the Eurovision Song Contest is unlikely to return this year. Why is that the case, and is there still a chance of seeing Monaco on the Eurovision stage in Bulgaria?
According to newly published information, the Monegasque national broadcaster has not yet examined participation in Eurovision 2027. A merger between Monaco’s two main television networks had previously been planned. Such a merger would have provided the unified organization with a larger budget and increased Monaco’s motivation to participate in the contest. At present, however, the two television networks have not yet merged, and no clear timetable for such a merger appears to be on the horizon.
Participation in Eurovision 2027 represents a major logistical and financial challenge that a broadcaster of Monaco’s size is unlikely to overcome without external funding. Financial constraints remain one of the main obstacles preventing the principality’s return to the contest. TVMONACO reportedly operates on an annual budget of only €20-24 million, and no significant increase is expected in the near future. Sending a Monegasque delegation to modern-day Eurovision – where participation costs have risen considerably compared to previous decades – would require a separate financial commitment that would need to be carefully assessed.
Looking at the current situation in Monaco, a return appears somewhat distant. The lack of commitment to a clear timetable from the local television networks, combined with financial and bureaucratic challenges, continues to complicate the principality’s Eurovision ambitions.
For now, the dream of a Monegasque comeback appears realistic only in the medium term, potentially within the next one or two years rather than for Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria.
Monaco in Eurovision
Monaco has participated in Eurovision 24 times, with its first entry in 1959 when singer Jacques Pills finished last with only one point from Austria. Interestingly, the following year, his daughter Jacqueline Boyer represented France and won first place.
Monaco’s sole Eurovision victory came in 1971 when singer Séverine represented the small state with the song “Un banc, un arbre, une rue” (in English: “A bench, a tree, a street”). Despite this historic win, Monaco struggled to host the competition the following year, eventually passing the hosting duties to Scotland in the UK.
Monaco participated regularly in 21 contests until Eurovision 1979 held in Jerusalem. The country made a surprising return for three consecutive Eurovision contests from 2004 to 2006 but withdrew again in 2007 after failing to reach the final in any of these attempts. The establishment of the new Monégasque television network – TVMONACO – in 2023 has raised hopes among many for a future return of the country to Eurovision, possibly even in 2025.
Source: Monaco Life
