Having stated on social media on Friday that BNT would not compete in Eurovision 2023, BNT is now not commenting on whether Bulgaria is competing in the contest in Liverpool.
On Friday BNT was widely reported by this outlet and others that it had withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. In a message to OGAE Greece from the official BNT Eurovision account on Twitter, it was said:
Bulgaria will not be taking part at Eurovision 2023 and most probably in the future editions as well. After analysis, it was decided that this program does not present an interest for the broadcaster any longer.
The BNT Eurovision Twitter account has since been deactivated and media have now received the following message when contacting BNT’s official Eurovision page on Facebook, that it:
has no official position or information that can currently be shared.
Novini.bg a major Bulgarian media outlet has also attempted to clarify the situation with both the General Director of Television and the Director of Commercial Activity and Communications. The General Director deferred questions to the Director of Commercial Activity and Communications who told the outlet it was not an area he could comment on.
It is unknown whether Bulgaria is still planning on participating in Eurovision 2023 as BNT has not confirmed to any outlet or challenged the reports since Friday. It was reported by the BBC today that the official list of broadcasters participating in the contest will be announced this week.
Bulgaria has previously withdrawn from the contest on two occasions. The country withdrew from competing between 2014 and 2016, and also in 2019. Both times budget issues were cited as the reason for withdrawal.
Montenegro and North Macedonia have both announced that they will not be participating in Eurovision 2023 with both broadcasters citing financial issues.
Image source: EBU / Andres Putting | Source: Novini.bg, ESC Portugal, BBC
At the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, 17-year-old Kristian Kostov finished in second place in the Grand Final. Bulgaria has qualified for the Grand Final five times out of thirteen attempts at the contest. Bulgaria debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2005. The country competed annually from 2005 to 2013, before withdrawing for two years due to financial issues. Since returning to the contest in 2016, Bulgaria have qualified for the final in every contest they have competed.
