Czechia withdraws from Eurovision 2027 over public broadcaster budget cuts

Budget restructuring prompts Czech withdrawal

Česká televize (ČT) confirmed on 6 October 2026 that it will not participate in or broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. The Czech public broadcaster attributed its decision to expected budget cuts linked to the government abolishing the television licence fee in favour of direct state subsidies. To absorb the funding transition, ČT prepared measures including programme cancellations, investment restrictions, and staff layoffs to save more than 14 million euros. Broadcaster executives stated that the song contest requires substantial programming, production, and organizational commitments that the network cannot sustain under current constraints.

In 2027, we will not see the Czech flag on the stage. We will, however, cheer for others together and believe that one day we will meet at Eurovision again.

Participation costs and geopolitical boycotts

The withdrawal comes as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) manages broader financial and political pressures across its membership. Participation fees have grown heavier after several delegations exited over Israel's presence in the contest. While the Netherlands announced its return following new EBU rules barring contests in conflict zones or geopolitically sensitive countries, Ireland confirmed it will continue its boycott. In Spain, RTVE president José Pablo López told the Parliamentary Control Commission on 22 September 2026 that the Spanish network will maintain its boycott, with Iceland's leadership also leaning toward staying away.

Eurovision director Martin Green acknowledged the mounting financial burdens on member networks.

We fully understand that broadcasters have to make difficult decisions and are aware of the severe challenges facing many of our members.

Czechia's contest record across fifteen years

Czechia debuted at Eurovision in Helsinki in 2007, making it one of the final European nations to enter the event. After non-qualifications in 2007, 2008, and 2009, ČT paused participation between 2010 and 2014 before returning regularly in 2015. The country recorded its top result at Lisbon 2018, finishing sixth with 281 points. Further grand final appearances yielded 157 points in Tel Aviv in 2019, 129 points in Liverpool in 2023, 41 points in Stockholm in 2016, and 38 points in Turin in 2022. ČT publicly thanked past representatives and fans for building a community around the contest across its 15-year history.

Contest calendar for Burgas 2027

The next senior Eurovision edition is scheduled for Burgas, Bulgaria, with semi-finals on 11 and 13 May 2027 leading to the grand final on 15 May 2027. To maximize candidate submissions, the EBU extended decision deadlines for national delegations as final participant numbers remain unsettled. The junior counterpart, Eurovision Junior 2026, proceeds separately in late October 2026 with acts such as Spain's Lucas Paulano performing Quore Bello (Te Quiero, Te Quiero). For the main contest, ČT expressed hope that it will rejoin the competition when financial conditions improve.