ESC 2025: Why these countries are no longer there!

ESC 2025: Why these countries are no longer there!

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland, is overshadowed by a variety of withdrawals and cancellations. As Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger has been reduced to 37 countries after Moldawia has canceled its return. This number remains the same as in 2024, while it was 40, 39 and 41 in previous years.

Although Luxembourg celebrated a comeback last year and successfully qualified for the final, numerous countries are no longer active in competition. These withdrawals have different reasons, from financial difficulties to political conflicts. The European Radio Union (EBU) had given the member institutions until the middle of October 2024 to apply for their participation, but some countries have decided not to take part in the renowned competition.

withdrawals from countries

The cancellations include Andorra, who first agreed to participate since 2009 in 2025. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger in May 2022 said that participation in the near future was unlikely. Another country that has withdrawn is Belarus, whose membership was officially ended due to regular violations on July 1, 2021.

Bosnia and Herzegovina stayed in the suspension for a long time and finally announced on October 14, 2022 that it will not participate after the broadcaster had filed for bankruptcy. Bulgaria was similar, which also canceled his participation due to financial bottlenecks.

Kazakhstan and Kosovo could not participate due to the lack of EBU memberships. While Kosovo strives for full membership, participation is not possible without being in the ITU. Liechtenstein and Monaco had also not participated in the ESC for many years, the latter since 2006 had not been represented in the competition.

participant in the ESC 2025

The remaining 37 countries will compete in two semi -finals, which take place on May 13 and 15, 2025, while the final will be held on May 17, 2025. Six of these countries are qualified for the final, the so-called BIG-5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) and the host Switzerland, such as Eurovision World reported.

The ESC has a long history that has been going back since 1956 and has inspired millions of spectators all over the world. The competition is considered an important cultural event in Europe and has produced many international hits. Despite the repeated changes in the right to participate and the coordination systems, the ESC remains a springboard for artists who want to start in the music industry, as wikipedia