Lejla A. Babović, former Head of Delegation for Bosnia & Herzegovina at Eurovision, has spoken about the country’s absence from the contest.
It’s been nine years since Bosnia & Herzegovina last participated at Eurovision Song Contest, Stockholm 2016 being their last appearance. In the interview for “Jutro za sve” on BHRT, the national broadcaster, Lejla A. Babović outlined the financial issues and current political situation of the contest.
Once BHRT has a stable source of financing, Bosnia and Herzegovina can return. That would be done with help from sponsors and advertising. Eurovision is not something that BHRT, or any public broadcaster, can finance completely alone. Even RTS (Radio Television of Serbia), with 170 million euros annual budget, relies on sponsors. In comparison, BHRT has only 15 million, sometimes even less.
BHRT’s outstanding debt to the EBU remains a major obstacle, currently estimated at 16 million KM (approx. 8 million euros). Despite the grim outlook, Babović praised the current government’s efforts.
I must commend the current government. They are really trying, unlike the previous ones. However, the results are still not here. This problem didn’t start yesterday. Since 2017, it has been swept under the rug. Everyone thought the EBU would simply forgive us the debt, as they did in the past, however that didn’t happen. We need to get serious. BHRT was established by the BIH parliament, and the state must fulfill its duty as guarantor.
Babović additionally addressed the EBU’s shifting approach towards Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the early years, especially during and after the war, the EBU was more understanding and accommodating.
They erased some of our debts until 2004. But if you compare that to the support Ukraine receives currently, it is incomparable. Ukraine has EBU’s full backing, something Bosnia & Herzegovina never had.
On the costs of participation, Babović emphasized how difficult it is for smaller countries to keep up without EBU’s support.
It is impossible to participate in Eurovision without having at least half a million euros. That’s a massive amount for BHRT. Eurovision might last just two nights on screen, sometimes even one, but the team must be there for at least 15 days. There are mandatory accommodations, dress expectations—your delegation must represent the country with dignity. Eurovision is, in essence, a state-level promotion.
The former Head of Delegation also voiced concerns about the contest’s evolution.
Eurovision is everything except a music competition. It’s about staging, effects, and money. Competing with countries like Sweden and Germany, with near-unlimited budgets, is unrealistic for us. However, Bosnia & Herzegovina can contribute quality with meaningful lyrics, strong songs, and great vocals. That’s our strength.
Babović ended the interview with thoughts on politics and double standards EBU and Eurovision currently has.
All of this is my personal opinion. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the EBU quickly expelled Russia from the contest without considering the financial implications. The decision left a big financial gap, which both the EBU and the rest of broadcasters now feel. With Israel, however, they did not make the same decision. I don’t understand it. If Russia is out, then by the same logic, KAN should have skipped a few editions.
Still, Babović offered some hope for a 2026 return, which would mark 10 years since the country’s last appearance.
If we pay off the debt by November and start working seriously, we could come back by 2026. But it requires effort from BHRT, the state, sponsors and the people to choose the right song and come back as serious contenders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina last participated in the 2016 contest, in which returning artist Deen represented the country with the song “Ljubav Je” along with Dalal, Ana Rucner and Jala. The group just missed out on qualification chances, ending in 11th place in the semi-final with 104 points.
Image source: Albin Olsson | Source:Â Klix Magazin
Bosnia & Herzegovina debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993, at the time the country was at war with Yugoslavia, with the singers having to leave Sarajevo under the cover of darkness to make it to Millstreet, Ireland. Bosnia & Herzegovina’s best result in the Eurovision Song Contest came in 2006 when Hari Mata Hari made it to the final in Athens and finished 3rd with 229 points, the country received eight sets of 12 points, more than any other country. Bosnia last participated in 2016 where Dalal & Deen feat. Ana Rucner & Jala finished 11th in their Semi- Final and failed to reach the final.
