Slovakia Skips Eurovision 2026 – Again. Budget or Just a Lack of Will?
Here we go again: Slovakia will not join Eurovision 2026. For the umpteenth year, the Slovak flag will be absent from the world’s favourite music soap opera, leaving fans to dust off their Horehronie playlists for yet another nostalgia trip.
The Verejnoprávna televízia (STVR) confirmed the decision in a statement to Refresher, delivered with all the enthusiasm of a tax return. Filip Púchovský, from STVR’s marketing and communication department, explained that participating in Eurovision is “financially disproportionate” when compared to the benefits. Translation: it’s expensive, darling, and we’d rather spend the money elsewhere.
Priorities: Local Dramas over Glitter and Sequins
According to the STVR, as a public broadcaster, its priority is to “invest in original domestic content, drama production, news coverage and nurturing young talents on the local scene.” Which sounds noble, of course. But it also reads as “sorry, Eurovision – we’re sticking to soap operas.”
Other small countries have solved the financial issue by bringing in private sponsors. Slovakia, however, is not quite ready for that kind of partnership. Or maybe they just don’t feel like asking nicely.
A Possible Return… Someday
Before you pack away your Slovak flags for good, the STVR has left a tiny door open. With a newly elected management in place, the broadcaster plans to reconsider participation in international projects – including Eurovision – if the budget allows. In other words: “Call us again when someone else is footing the bill.”
Horehronie, Kiss Kiss Goodbye and Other ‘Almost’ Moments
Slovakia’s Eurovision history is more of a cult trivia section than a success story. The last official participation dates back to 2012, but Kristína Peláková’s Horehronie (2010) remains a fan favourite despite failing to qualify for the final.
Fast-forward to 2025: Slovak singer ADONXS represented Czechia with Kiss Kiss Goodbye. He, too, didn’t make it past the semis – but hey, at least Slovakia got a bit of indirect screen time.
The Bottom Line
So, will we see Slovakia at Eurovision 2026? Absolutely not. And judging by history, don’t hold your breath for 2027 either. But hope springs eternal: the STVR insists it’s not a definitive “no”, more of a polite “maybe… when our accountants stop panicking.”
Until then, we’ll just keep pressing repeat on Horehronie.
Source: Refresher
