When the list of countries competing in Eurovision 2024 was released in December there was one doubtful nation: Romania.
predominantly
The country's broadcaster TVR were in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on whether or not they would compete.
The reasons were predominanly financial with January 25 the final decision day for the broadcaster.
After a broadcaster meeting to review budgets and vote, a decision was made.
In a statement they said:
"Financial constraints and the desire to represent Romania at a high-performing level are the reasons why the Board of Directors (CA) decided that TVR will not participate in this year's edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)"
After a perfect 100% of qualification from the semi-finals from 2004 onwards, Romania has missed out on the Grand Final in four of the last five editions.
In 2023, Theodor Andrei representing the nation received 0 points in the semi-finals.
In addition, the costs of broadcasting the Olympics and modernisation projects for the broadcaster took precedent in their budget.
This will be the first time Romania will not compete in the Contest since 2016 when they withdrew in late April due to non-payment of debts to the EBU.
In total, 37 nations are due to take place, however, Iceland is now also in doubt.
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