Hungarian national broadcaster MTVA received a participation discount and an extended deadline to return to Eurovision 2027 in Burgas.

Is one of the most acclaimed and original countries in Eurovision history on its way back to the contest following an extended absence? According to an official press release issued by the Hungarian national broadcaster MTVA, the path is being cleared for a potential Hungarian return to Eurovision 2027, which is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria. All the details regarding the dramatic offer are in the article.

The report indicates that the acting CEO of the national broadcaster, Dr. András Horváth, recently held direct talks with contest organizers regarding a renewed participation.

To incentivize the country’s return, the contest organizers accommodated the Hungarians with an unprecedented step: the national broadcaster received a significant discount on the participation fee (considered a heavy financial burden for many networks), while the final registration deadline for Hungary was specifically extended until December 7th, 2026.

A Strategic Decision: The Ball Passes to the New Management

Despite high willingness and exceptional concessions from the organizers, Hungary’s participation has not yet been finalized. During the meetings, Horváth made clear that returning to Eurovision is an issue of paramount strategic importance that cannot be taken lightly, and that the ultimate verdict will be left to the incoming permanent management of the national broadcaster, which is currently undergoing restructuring.

The path to a comeback entails several procedural hurdles: before a final determination is made at MTVA, the delegation will need to obtain the green light from the Independent Public Media Board. Only after securing approval from the board will the executive management be able to officially sanction the return to the contest.

From the Conservative Boycott to the End of the Orbán Era

As recalled, Hungary last competed in Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv with singer Joci Pápai, and has subsequently remained absent from the contest stage for eight consecutive years. The primary reason for the withdrawal stemmed from the conservative, illiberal direction spearheaded by the regime of the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán. MTVA, which was under tight state control, opted to withdraw from the contest due to the perception of Eurovision as being “too LGBTQ+”, conflicting with the ruling party’s traditional values.

However, in recent months the country underwent a political earthquake that culminated in the end of the Orbán era. The political upheaval, the removal of the conservative government, and the dismantling of state control mechanisms across television networks have paved the way for profound reforms across public media institutions.

Alongside these developments, strong public pressure and calls emerged from the Eurovision and music fanbase in Hungary, demanding that the new management put an end to the cultural boycott and normalize the nation’s cultural ties with Europe and the contest. The current Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, even stated publicly that “it makes no sense for Hungary to stay out,” calling for renewed international engagement.

 

“The Best Time to Act”

Concluding their decisive letter, MEKE leaders clarify that only the Hungarian national broadcaster has the right and authority to register for Eurovision:

“We are convinced that this unique opportunity is worth taking advantage of again in the interests of Hungarian culture, the domestic music industry, reaching young people and the future of public media. A broad social, professional and political consensus has now emerged on the issue of returning, so the timing of the step is currently the most favorable.“

As a reminder, Hungary withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest after Eurovision 2019, and has since been absent from the international stage for political and internal reasons. Will public pressure bring about the longed-for change and an announcement of a comeback as early as Eurovision 2027? EuroMix will continue to monitor closely and update on all developments.

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.