The deadline for countries to confirm their intent to participate in Eurovision 2024 has come and gone, and there are increasingly promising signs that North Macedonia could return to Eurovision in 2024.
While MRT, North Macedonia’s national broadcaster, remains mum on an official confirmation, its newly published proposed program and budget for 2024 includes a paragraph stating that the country intends to participate in next year’s contest, “where Macedonian musical values will be presented through the participating song at this festival”. This paragraph wasn’t present in last year’s budget, when the country withdrew from the contest; though, it was previously noted in budgets ahead of their participation in 2020-2022 — a good sign that a return is possible.
What also initially appears promising is that the broadcaster has also put forth a budget of 1.5 million denars to be allocated towards both Eurovision and Junior Eurovision activities. However, some are sceptical at how MRT plans to cover all things Eurovision-related with what seems to be a fairly meagre budget of around 25,000 euros.
Nevertheless, considering the fact that North Macedonia will be competing in Junior Eurovision this November in Nice and that MRT had previously expressed their interest to return to the contest as soon as possible, signs are pointing towards the country potentially joining back in on the fun.
North Macedonia last competed at Eurovision in 2022 with “Circles” by Andrea, which just missed out on the final after finishing 11th in the second semi-final. MRT then withdrew from the 2023 contest in Liverpool, citing high costs due to the energy crisis. However, it still broadcast all the live shows from earlier this year.
If North Macedonia does indeed make a triumphant return, the 2024 contest will see at least 34 countries competing in Malmö based on the confirmations so far. The EBU will reveal the full list of participating counties towards the end of October.
Are you excited to see North Macedonia potentially return to the Eurovision stage? Who should represent the country? Let us know in the comments.