Slovenia Delays Eurovision 2025 Decision Amid Contest Controversy
Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has announced that it will not decide on participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 until October. This comes after a turbulent experience in the 2024 edition, where Slovenia finished in 24th place in the grand final with Raiven and her dramatic song Veronika. Despite high hopes, the performance failed to captivate enough voters, leaving the country near the bottom of the scoreboard.
In an email to Eurovoix, a spokesperson for RTVSLO stated that the broadcaster is still evaluating its options:
«RTV Slovenija will not decide about participating in Eurovision Song Contest 2025 until October 2024.«
While broadcasters typically have until 15 September to confirm their participation, Slovenia is one of several countries that have requested an extension to reconsider their involvement. Slovenia’s doubts follow issues raised during Eurovision 2024, including concerns over the transparency of televoting and the disqualification of the Netherlands. RTVSLO has sought further clarification from the EBU regarding these matters.
Eurovision 2024 Aftermath: What Went Wrong?
After the conclusion of the 2024 contest, Slovenia, like several other countries, expressed serious concerns about the integrity of the results. Specifically, RTVSLO questioned the validity of the televoting process and raised eyebrows over the dramatic disqualification of the Netherlands, which sent shockwaves through the Eurovision community. In a statement following the event, RTVSLO demanded «further clarity» on these issues, putting their 2025 involvement in doubt.
This turn of events has left Slovenian fans and Eurovision enthusiasts across Europe on tenterhooks. The broadcaster now has until October to finalize its decision, giving it time to engage with the EBU and evaluate whether to move forward with next year’s contest.
What Does This Delay Mean?
RTVSLO’s decision to wait until October has raised speculation about whether Slovenia will bow out of the competition altogether. If they do choose to withdraw, they can still avoid any financial penalties by meeting the EBU’s October 11 deadline. However, this wouldn’t be the first time Slovenia has taken its time to commit—Eurovision 2024 saw a similar delay in their confirmation of participation.
Fans and insiders are now wondering: will Slovenia return to Eurovision with renewed determination, or will they take a break and reflect on their future in the contest?
A Trend of Postponement: The Netherlands’ Delay
Slovenia isn’t the only nation dragging its feet. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has also been granted an extension by the EBU, pushing their deadline back to November 1. Like Slovenia, the Netherlands has raised concerns over the events of the 2024 contest, particularly the sudden and highly controversial disqualification of their entry. The Dutch broadcaster’s decision to delay has only added to the simmering tension within the Eurovision community.
The Bigger Picture
Slovenia’s hesitance to confirm its participation in Eurovision 2025 speaks to a broader unease among broadcasters. The controversies surrounding the 2024 contest have cast a shadow over Eurovision’s reputation for fairness and inclusivity. With multiple countries now questioning the processes behind the scenes, it’s clear that the EBU has work to do in rebuilding trust.
For now, all eyes will be on Slovenia as they navigate this delicate decision. Will they return to Eurovision in 2025 with renewed vigour, or will they take a step back to reassess their place in this iconic competition?
One thing is certain: the drama, both on and off the Eurovision stage, shows no signs of slowing down.
Source: Eurovoix
