The new director of the public broadcaster, MRT, Zoran Ristoski, also revealed big upcoming changes in the national selection for Eurovision 2027
Big news for the Eurovision family — and one that fans of the Balkan sound have been waiting years to hear. North Macedonia has officially confirmed its return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. The announcement was made by Zoran Ristoski, the newly appointed Director General of MRT.
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During the Public Programme Council meeting of the broadcaster, Ristoski stated that he had held meetings with representatives of the EBU and that he can say with certainty that North Macedonia will send an entry to the 2027 contest, which will be held in Bulgaria, following Dara’s victory with the song “Bangaranga”. Ristoski also noted that MRT has the full support of the EBU in promoting North Macedonia’s cultural values, and expects to receive a more favourable participation package for its return, considering their previous financial obstacles, leading to the country’s long absence from the music contest.
Why Was North Macedonia Away from Eurovision?
North Macedonia last participated in Eurovision in 2022, when Andrea represented the country with “Circles”. They subsequently withdrew from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, primarily citing financial difficulties and the increased costs associated with participation. It is worth noting that despite their absence from the main contest, MRT continued to broadcast Eurovision for its viewers — a sign that the connection to the contest never truly went away.
The 2027 return also aligns with earlier signals: reports from December 2025 had already indicated MRT’s aim for a comeback that year, with the broadcaster’s Program Council expressing a desire to rejoin and recognising the important platform Eurovision provides for national affirmation.
More Transparent National Selection Process
One of the most encouraging aspects of this announcement is what Ristoski said about the national song selection process for future Eurovision editions. He declared that the era of non-transparent selection of Eurovision acts has ended and highlighted the announced public call for selecting the song that will represent North Macedonia at Eurovision Junior 2026 as a first example of this new approach. Fans have been calling for exactly this kind of openness for years.
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North Macedonia may be a small country, but it has delivered genuinely memorable Eurovision moments. Their best result remains 2019, when Tamara Todevska took 7th place with the powerful ballad “Proud” — a performance that proved the country can not only qualify but genuinely compete. Further details on North Macedonia’s selection process for Eurovision 2027 are expected to be revealed by the public broadcaster later this year.
Taking into account Eurovision 2027 will take place in Bulgaria — in North Macedonia’s vicinity — the timing could not be more fitting. A home-region contest, a renewed broadcaster, EBU backing, and a promise of transparency all point to the country’s strong comeback. Welcome back, North Macedonia!
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Featured Image: Eurovision.tv – EBU – Thomas Hanses
