Eurovision 2027: Slovenia Considers Return After Political Shift

Slovenia's state broadcaster has confirmed it is seriously considering a return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, following a dramatic political shift in the country. RTV SLO, the Slovenian national television network, told Eurovision news site Euromix that participation in next year's contest in Bulgaria is being actively reviewed. The broadcaster's communications department said the final decision will depend heavily on RTV SLO's production schedule and programming plans for 2027.

The development comes after Slovenia elected a new prime minister widely described as pro-Israel, marking a significant change in the country's political orientation.

According to the Slovenian broadcaster, the decision on whether to submit an official registration form to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will take into account both the EBU's final registration deadline and the network's overall broadcast schedule for the coming year. RTV SLO stopped short of making a firm commitment at this stage. Slovenia has been absent from Eurovision in recent years, with its withdrawal linked in part to tensions surrounding Israel's participation in the contest.

The shift in Slovenia's position follows the election of a new government led by a prime minister considered friendly to Israel. This political realignment could influence the country's relationship with the EBU and its willingness to return to a competition in which Israel remains a regular participant.

In recent years, several European countries have considered boycotting Eurovision over Israel's involvement, but the vast majority have continued to participate. Eurovision executive supervisor Martin Green recently stated that nearly 70% of EBU members supported keeping Israel in the contest, and that the decision on the matter is final.

Noam, Bettan talks to the president (Kan11)

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria, after the country won the most recent edition in Austria. Preparations for the contest are already underway, with potential hosts beginning to be discussed.

Among the rumors circulating is the possibility that actress Nina Dobrev, star of "The Vampire Diaries" and a Sofia native, might host the event. Israel has already announced that its public broadcaster Kan will continue its partnership with commercial network Keshet to select the country's representative. "Rising Star for Eurovision 2027," the Israeli selection show, is expected to launch in the fall with the goal of choosing Israel's entry for Bulgaria.

Further updates on Slovenia's decision are expected in the coming months as RTV SLO finalizes its programming plans for 2027.