Monaco Media Difussion has confirmed that it will not be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden.
ESC Today reports that Monaco will not be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. EBU member Monaco Media Difussion, which distributes TVMonaco has confirmed that it is not participating in next May’s contest in Malmo.
There had been intense speculation regarding whether Monaco would compete in the contest again. TVMonaco was launched on September 1, making the nation eligible to compete in the contest again after a number of years.
Monaco first took part in the contest in 1959, winning the contest once in 1971 with Séverine’s “Un banc, un arbre, une rue”. The country went on to participate up until 1980, where they withdrew and didn’t return to the contest until 2004. In the three years that Monaco returned to the contest from 2004 to 2006, participation was directly overseen by the Principality itself and not TMC the Monegasque broadcaster at the country. The country however failed to make a final in their three attempts.
In 2009 discussions took place to bring Monaco back to the contest however they fell through. The Principality of Monaco allocated 100,000 Euros in the 2022 budget towards a return to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Today is the final day for broadcasters to inform the European Broadcasting Union of their intention to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. Broadcasters are under no obligation to report on their intention to compete in the contest, and have until October 13 to notify the European Broadcasting Union if they will not compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 without incurring a financial penalty.
During the course of today the following broadcasters have announced Eurovision 2024 plans:
- Croatia – Participation confirmed, selection launched
- Greece – ERT reported as confirming participation
- North Macedonia – MRT submitting budget with funds for Eurovision 2024 return
- Slovenia – Slovenian media reports RTVSLO will compete, RTVSLO has not confirmed this publicly
Image Source: SEPAC Stamps | Source: ESC Today
Monaco is one a number of microstates to have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Principality made its debut in the contest in 1959 becoming the twelfth country to take part in the contest. On their debut Monaco finished last with just one point. Monaco’s only victory to date came in 1971 when Séverine performed “Un banc, un arbre, une rue” scoring a total of 128 points, 12 points clear of runners up Spain. Following the 1979 contest Monaco withdrew from the contest until 2004. The Principality competed three times between 2004 and 2006 but failed to qualify for the final.
