RTK’s Acting Director General, Zana Spahiu, has issued a renewed appeal for Kosovo to participate in both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, arguing that the broadcaster’s long‑standing commitment to the contest warrants formal inclusion.
In a letter addressed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Spahiu notes that RTK has submitted several formal requests since 2013. She emphasises that for more than two decades, the broadcaster has actively promoted Eurovision values and maintained strong audience engagement in Kosovo, despite not being allowed to participate.
Spahiu highlights that the upcoming EBU General Assembly in Prague, Czechia, on June 25 and 26 is expected to discuss potential changes to the organisation’s statute, including the creation of new membership categories such as Non‑European Membership and Auxiliary Membership. She argues that Kosovo’s broadcaster should be considered within these changing legislations.
According to Spahiu, Eurovision has already expanded beyond a strictly geographical remit, as with Australia’s long-standing inclusion and maintaining a restrictive stance toward Kosovo. Spahiu said:
“[This] risks creating a structural inconsistency that is increasingly difficult to justify. The RTK Program reflects precisely the principles that Eurovision aims to promote: diversity, inclusion and meaningful cultural dialogue.”
The letter also outlines RTK’s concrete steps toward establishing a national selection format.
The Kosovar public broadcaster has announced that Akordet e Kosovës will be organised for the first time in decades, after an agreement was signed by the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo. RTK stated on signing the agreement that the competition would serve as a national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest should the broadcaster gain full membership of the European Broadcasting Union.
Find out more about Kosovo and its Eurovision hopes below:
Source: Kosova.info