The EBU has confirmed that 39 countries will be represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, hosted between 19-23 May in Vienna, Austria. The number is two up on last year, representing the first increase in participation since Germany’s hosting in 2011.
Amongst the participants is a surprising return from Czech Republic, who will take part for the first time since 2009. Cyprus and Serbia have also announced returns following a year out, and Ukraine have announced their withdrawal from the contest due to financial reasons.
Andorra, Monaco, Morocco and Slovakia seem unlikely to return in the near future. Despite rumours and varying decisions, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Luxembourg and Turkey will also stay at home in 2015, although all of these countries have given indications towards a possible return in 2016.
The full participant list of 2015 can be found below;
- Albania
- Armenia
- Austria (host)
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
The EBU has also confirmed that 16 countries will take part in the first semi-final on May 21, and 17 will take part in the second semi-final on May 23.
Six countries have already chosen their representatives for 2015; Belgium, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands and San Marino.
We at ESC United would like to wish all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay tuned with us into 2015 as we report on the latest Eurovision news!
