The EBU have today released the official list of nations taking part in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. 39 countries is the lowest number of participating nations since the 2010 contest in Oslo, Norway.
The nations taking part are:
- Albania (RTSH)
- Austria (ORF)
- Armenia (AMPTV)
- Azerbaijan (Ictimai TV)
- Belarus (BTRC)
- Belgium (RTBF)
- Bulgaria (BNT)
- Croatia (HRT)
- Cyprus (CyBC)
- Denmark (DR)
- Estonia (ERR)
- Finland (YLE)
- France (France3)
- Georgia (GPB)
- Germany (NDR)
- Greece (ERT)
- Hungary (MTV)
- Iceland (RÚV)
- Ireland (RTÉ)
- Israel (IBA)
- Italy (RAI)
- Latvia (LTV)
- Lithuania (LRT)
- FYR Macedonia (MKRTV)
- Malta (PBS)
- Moldova (TRM)
- Montenegro (RTCG)
- The Netherlands (TROS)
- Norway (NRK)
- Romania (TVR)
- Russia (C1R)
- San Marino (SMTV)
- Serbia (RTS)
- Slovenia (RTVSLO)
- Spain (TVE)
- Sweden (SVT)
- Switzerland (SRG SSR)
- Ukraine (NTU)
- United Kingdom (BBC)
The head of the Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand said “We regret the withdrawal of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Portugal and Slovakia, which have all cited economic reasons” In response to the withdrawal of Turkey he said “We are surprised by this decision. The changes were made in 2009 and were since never formally objected by TRT. We are eager to pursue dialogue with the Turkish broadcaster to seek a viable solution.”
The EBU also released a statement about the economic conditions affecting the contest. It reads “The EBU is sensitive to the economic pressures facing its Members. Contest organisers are constantly seeking ways to cut costs for both participating broadcasters as well as the host broadcaster and find ways to make hosting the competition more affordable. Initiatives range from reducing time spent in the host city to negotiating special hotel rates for delegations. Other measures are being looked into for the years to come.”
