In October 2022, just months after Bulgaria crashed out of the Eurovision semi-finals with Intelligent Music Project, the country’s state broadcaster revealed it had lost interest in the song contest.
In a direct message sent to OGAE Greece, the broadcaster’s official Twitter account said:
“Bulgaria will not be taking part at Eurovision 2023 and most probably in the future editions as well. After analysis it was decided that this program does not present an interest for the broadcaster any longer.”
But it would seem that Eurovision 2026 has aroused some internal interest, as today the EBU confirmed that Bulgaria will compete in Vienna.
The broadcaster has endured financial setbacks in recent years. Its most recent participation — with Intelligent Music Project — was funded by the group themselves.
They finished 16th of 17th in Semi-Final 1 with the song “Intention,” which was widely panned by fans and critics alike.
Bulgaria has known both highs and lows in the contest. Between 2008 and 2013, it failed to qualify for the grand final six times running. But in its next four appearances it managed to place fourth, second, 14th and 11th in the final — a record many countries would envy.
Many observers have suggested that the EBU offered some form of sweetener — perhaps a discount or flexible payment schedule — to encourage Bucharest’s re-entry. It’s thought bolstering the number of nations that participate might make up for any that choose to withdraw amid ongoing controversies surrounding Israel’s participation.
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