From Basel to Austria? San Marino Isn’t Sure About Eurovision 2026

For those Eurovision fans already picturing San Marino’s 2026 act strutting onto the Austrian stage, you might want to put down the glitter cannon — the Republic hasn’t RSVPed just yet.

San Marino RTV (SMRTV) has issued an official statement after media reports earlier last week all but confirmed their participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. And the tone? Somewhere between “calm down, dear” and “don’t put words in our mouths.”

A Decision That Isn’t a Decision

According to SMRTV, the much-talked-about Congress of State resolution from 8 July 2025 was merely a preparatory step, not a full-on commitment. Think of it as sending a “maybe” to an event on Facebook — it’s polite, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll show up with snacks.

The broadcaster insists no final decision has been made and that they’ll take their sweet (and “congruous”) time before making one. There are still internal matters to sort, plus a few… let’s call them “spirited discussions” with the EBU, Eurovision’s governing body.

The Politics of Glitter

Tourism Secretary Federico Pedini Amati doubled down on SMRTV’s cautious stance, openly criticising what he describes as the EBU’s recent behaviour. Speaking to Corriere Romagna, Pedini said:

“We are very resentful about the way the EBU has acted. The current rules heavily penalise small states. We have our dignity, and we don’t want to be taken for a ride.”

It’s no secret the comments are tinged with frustration after Gabry Ponte’s entry for San Marino finished last in Basel 2025 — not exactly the fairy-tale ending for the microstate’s Eurovision hopes.

So… Will They, or Won’t They?

The official deadline for countries to confirm their participation is still months away, and San Marino isn’t ruling out either option. The Republic could still send an act to Austria in 2026… or it could bow out entirely.

For now, the message is clear: no matter how small the country, it refuses to play small in dignity. Eurovision 2026 may have a bit less confetti if San Marino stays home, but the drama? Oh, that’s already here.

Source: RTV San Marino