The EBU has released an updated statement on FYR Macedonia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 and the sanctions imposed on the Macedonian national broadcaster, MRT.
As things currently stand, FYR Macedonia will not be able to participate in Lisbon due to outstanding debts. It was reported in Macedonian media that there was an alleged private meeting between MRT and the EBU in order to resolve this issue and that sanctions had been lifted. However, there has been no confirmation from either the EBU or MRT with regards to this meeting or the removal of sanctions.
The EBU released a further statement to ESCToday, in which they stated:
“Of course we hope that a resolution can be found so that MRT can be involved in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, and we are working with both MRT and RTP on this. Should we find a solution, the EBU will issue an announcement in due course.”
Yesterday, the official list of participants in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 was released by RTP and the EBU. FYR Macedonia was not featured on this list. MRT had originally applied to take part in the 2018 contest but did not officially confirm their participation. Should they reach an agreement with the EBU and be able to participate in Lisbon, the number of participating countries will be 43. This would equal the record of participating countries set in 2008 and 2012.
Source: ESCToday
Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
FYR Macedonia has had a string of poor results in recent years failing to reach the final every year since 2012. The country debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998, however, two years earlier they attempted to participate but was knocked out in the pre-qualifying round. In 2016 they were represented by Kaliopi for a second time with the song “Dona”, she missed out on the final finishing in 11th in her semi-final. FYR Macedonia’s best result to date is a 12th place finish in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest represented by Elena Risteska and the song “Ninanajna”.
Sooooooo is there still a chance for them?I’m so lost about Macedonia first they’re in then out they’re in again then out once more and now they still can participate?
The statement given to ESCToday reads like there’s still the possibility, but as of now they are out.
Hope they’ll pay and participate