Kosovo’s Bold Bid for Eurovision 2025 Participation

Kosovo’s public broadcaster, RTK, has taken a significant step towards participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, set to be held in Switzerland. An official request has been submitted to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), marking a potentially historic moment for the country.

The application follows a series of high-level meetings between RTK’s Chairman, Besnik Boletini, and Director General, Shkumbin Ahmetxhekaj, with EBU officials and other European public broadcasters. In the letter sent on 6th June, Ahmetxhekaj highlighted the precedent set by Australia’s invitation to Eurovision, urging the EBU to extend a similar invitation to Kosovo.

“With respect, we request that you consider sending an invitation to RTK to participate in the upcoming Eurovision contest. Our participation would showcase the talents of Kosovo and strengthen the inclusive spirit and cultural exchange that Eurovision represents,” Ahmetxhekaj wrote. He underscored that such an invitation would align with the European spirit of unity and inclusivity.

Ahmetxhekaj also reminded the EBU of its crucial role in establishing RTK in 1999, expressing hope that the organisation would support Kosovo’s bid to participate in Eurovision, aligning with RTK’s mission as a public broadcaster. The letter mentioned RTK’s recent launch of its own Song Festival, now in its second year, with the aspiration that the winning entry would represent Kosovo on the Eurovision stage.

Notably, Kosovo seeks to enter Eurovision despite not having full EBU membership. Currently, RTK operates under a special agreement with the EBU that does not allow for automatic Eurovision participation. By citing Australia’s example, RTK hopes to navigate around the requirement for full membership.

The announcement of Kosovo’s application was made on the eve of Eurovision 2024, with the country staging its first RTK Song Festival to highlight the Kosovan music industry. RTK plans to use this festival as its national selection method for Eurovision, reflecting its commitment to showcasing local talent on an international platform.

However, Kosovo’s bid to compete in Eurovision faces challenges due to its disputed international status. Other countries in the former Yugoslavia claim the territory Kosovo occupies, complicating its quest for widespread international recognition. Despite these hurdles, RTK’s move is expected to be welcomed by Eurovision fans, particularly as the 2024 contest saw the lowest number of participants in a decade, with only 37 countries taking part.

The EBU and the Eurovision Executive Board are expected to review RTK’s request soon, potentially paving the way for Kosovo’s debut in one of the world’s most popular music competitions.

Sources: RTK/Eurovoix