Could Slovakia be returning to Eurovision in 2027?

Following on from the news that North Macedonia will be returning for Eurovision 2027, there are now rumours that Slovakia may also be returning.

The recent spark came from comments reportedly made by Jindřich Bardan of Rádio Slovensko during Eurovision 2026 week in Vienna.

According to Czech media reports later picked up by Eurovision media sites, he said Slovakia had actually explored a return for 2026 before deciding it was too expensive. He also reportedly said Slovakia would return “sooner or later”.

Another major source of speculation has been the restructuring of the Slovak broadcaster. When RTVS became STVR with new management, it was picked up that “reassessing international projects” could mean that Eurovision was again under consideration.  

What has been the barrier to participation?

The main reason repeatedly given for Slovakia’s Eurovision absence has been the cost.

The Slovakian broadcaster has stated several times that the costs of participation, including licensing fees, staging, artist support, travel and production, are difficult to justify given the broadcaster’s limited budget.

Slovakia at Eurovision

Slovakia first debuted at Eurovision in 1994 following the breakup of Czechoslovakia, with the country participating a total of seven times. Slovakia did attempt to enter Eurovision in 1993 but did not make the preliminary round to enter the Contest. Slovakia has appeared at Eurovision on seven occasions, taking several breaks over the years.

Slovakia has reached the Grand Final three times (1996, 1997 and 1998). Slovakia’s best-ever Eurovision result came in 1996 when Marcel Palonder finished 18th with the song Kým nás máš. Another Slovakian entry that is a favourite among fans is Horehronie by Kristína in 2010, which gained a strong following online despite failing to qualify for the Grand Final. Slovakia’s last participation was in 2012 with Max Jason Mai and the song Don’t Close Your Eyes.

However, despite a passionate fan base and several memorable entries, Slovakia has struggled to achieve much success on the Eurovision stage.

For many Eurovision fans, Slovakia remains one of the contest’s most hoped-for returning countries. While no official comeback has yet been confirmed, broadcaster statements continue to leave the door open for a future return should funding, management stability and public interest align.

Other countries returning to the Contest now seem more likely following the huge success of the three returning countries for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest that saw three top 10s including a first time win for Bulgaria. Further, the news of North Macedonia returning and the rumours of a Hungary return, gives us hope that other countries, including Slovakia, may be returning to the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.

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