Hungary’s Parliament passed media reform legislation that dismantled MTVA, potentially paving the way for the nation to return to Eurovision 2027.

Dramatic developments have unfolded in Hungary in recent moments, which could directly impact the nation’s future in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Hungarian Parliament has approved a significant reform that will likely facilitate Hungary’s return to the coveted competition, possibly as early as this upcoming edition.

Hungary withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019, following the edition held in Tel Aviv, and has since expressed staunch opposition to returning to the competition each year, partly due to the nature of the country’s government. Fortunately, elections were held in Hungary about two and a half months ago, resulting in the fall of the far-right government – a move that began paving the way for the nation to return to the contest.

The Dismantling of MTVA and the New Broadcasting Era

The Hungarian Parliament approved a comprehensive reform of the public broadcasting system this week, a step designed to sever the dependence of broadcasting bodies on the government, and is also expected to resolve what has prevented Hungary from participating in recent years. The new law, submitted by the Tisza party led by current Prime Minister Péter Magyar, passed with a majority of 145 supporters against 39 opponents. The opposition party, led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, voted against the reform.

The new reform dictates the dismantling of the current public broadcasting bodies – MTVA and Duna Médiaszolgáltató. These organizations, established in 2011 under Orbán’s government, have faced severe criticism domestically and internationally in recent years over claims of excessive government involvement and influence. In their place, two new organizations will be established: Magyar Rádió és Televízió and Magyar Távirati Iroda. The current leadership of the broadcasting bodies will step down, and new executives will be chosen through open and transparent tenders, rather than direct government appointments. Additionally, an independent public council will be established to oversee broadcasts, again without government interference.

The Hungarian national broadcaster MTVA was heavily influenced by the policies of the Hungarian government, which in recent years was controlled by the far-right Fidesz party led by Viktor Orbán. His party is characterized by anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and in the eyes of many, this is the reason Hungary withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest, which openly promotes the LGBTQ+ community.

The KAN Precedent: Can Hungary Return Immediately?

The dramatic change in Hungary raises many intriguing questions regarding the nation’s future in the Eurovision Song Contest. As of now, it remains unclear whether the new broadcasting body will be considered the legal successor to MTVA and therefore automatically retain its membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), or if it will be required to submit a completely new membership application, which would likely delay the country’s return by a year.

However, there is a well-known case from the recent past that may provide cautious hope for Hungarians and Eurovision fans alike: in 2018, the Israeli national broadcaster KAN underwent a similar process of dismantling and establishment, receiving special permission from the EBU to participate in Eurovision even though its full membership application had not yet been approved. The corporation’s full membership was only confirmed in December of that year. Ultimately, the Israeli entry won that contest with Netta and her song “Toy“.

An Eastern European Eurovision Renaissance

Hungary is not the first country signaling a return to Eurovision 2027 after several years of non-participation. North Macedonia confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2027 about a month and a half ago, and Slovenia, which underwent a political upheaval, may also announce a return to Eurovision following the boycott it led last year. Additionally, it was revealed yesterday that there is a reasonable chance the Netherlands will also return to the competition.

Bulgaria’s victory at Eurovision 2026 has opened a window, perhaps a one-time opportunity, for a renewed dawn of Eastern European countries at Eurovision. It brings a more affordable and geographically closer Eurovision that may slightly ease the financial burden on these nations, some of which are not very rich in resources and funding.

Hungary in Eurovision

Hungary last participated in Eurovision in 2019, represented by singer Joci Pápai with his song “Az én apám“. Hungary did not qualify for the final, the first time this had happened since 2009, and subsequently withdrew from Eurovision 2020, which was ultimately canceled.