How many countries will compete in 2025?

[gigi_copp3]

Well, hard topic.
This year a lot of things happened, and I fear we could see the number of countries shorten in the near future.
I can see some countries out: (these two were really pissed off of their NQ).
should take a break for the sake of the contest: if they are still competing, I can see retiring since this year they competed just because they already had their Songvakeppnin lineup when the situation in Gaza broke out, and they couldn't pull out.
On the returns side, might come back. I don't see any of the balkans/eastern countries () returning in expensive . We have been discussing and for so long, we know that as long as there will be their actual governments, they won't come back. In I think the only person actually willing to compete is Susanne Georgi.
On the debuts side, EBU should find a way to recruit some new countries, like . Or maybe since it will be in the near .

What are your opinions? I think we'll have around 34/35 countries.

 

[ESCConor]

I think we are looking at probably a smaller Eurovision next year.

I think Israel could pull out, same with Netherlands after what happened with Joost Klein, same with San Marino, can see Iceland sitting next year out too.

I think we are looking at 34 countries next year assuming no countries return or debut, with 2 semi finals of 14 countries each, with the big 5 plus Switzerland in the final as normal.

 

[aef]

I think won’t withdraw ever, they need the plattform.

For next year the following seems possible:
Withdraw: and maybe
Come back: only seems possible but maybe not in expensive
Possible return: since the have a new public broadcaster (but rather not likely)

So 35 countries seems realistic based on the information we have today

 

[soundofsilence]

44!!!!

 

[GRE]

My dream is to see 46 countries.
20 countries in each semifinal.

But it will never happen

 

[Citelis]

If we get 35 it will be a success.

 

[Mainshow]

I think that we are still in shock about how messy and chaotic this week have been so far.

AVROTOS not having a spokesperson speaks volumes - they are rightfully pissed (even though we still have to wait about what really happened between Joost and the camera woman) but apparently, artists being investigated can't take part in Eurovision (EBU rules).
I remember reading that the would be #6 if a Big 6 country-system would be introduced and haven't stopped taking part despite not qualifying for 8 years - so it's baffling how the EBU made the decision to piss off such a loyal and dedicated broadcaster - especially since Joost ended up being #2 in the semi.... so questions will be raised... they will throw a tantrum and demand answers.. but in the end, I think that the EBU will give in (?) some sort of - or Österdahl will resign (I mean, they can't ignore all the booing and posts on social media) and honestly, I think that the will be convinced by SRF/ to take part in the end.

In the end, most countries/people want to be part of Eurovision. Just look at Eric Saade: he asked us to boycott the contest, he even signed petitions and called out the EBU for being pro-Genocide and hypocritical and "shutting down freedom of speech" but at the end, he performed this week Oo

I think that we will be losing if the war in Gaza/Israel continues and won't be suspended and let's face it, KAN will not withdraw. They got a very great #5 result (more than 300 points in televoting) and despite all the negativity around them, they will treat it as a victory.

As long as won't come back, I don't see any returnees, tbh.
Homophobic broadcasters/governments won't be returning - especially since this edition has been won by a non-binary artist. Or what they say "a man wearing a dress/rock in pink"

 

[njdevils94]

Between 25-43 will take part in ESC 2025

 

[EscGeek]

Everyone is saying how expensive Switzerland is so i'm worried

 

[ESCConor]

Everyone is saying how expensive Switzerland is so i'm worried

Thats the big concern, Switzerland is notoriously expensive and I do wonder if we might see a fair few countries decide to sit next year out due to costs.

 

[FitzyUK]

Israel won't withdrew next year. Netherlands I can see withdrawing unless changes happen.

 

[empo21]

It seems like the delegation reaction to Israel that we all expected for 2024 might happen in 2025.

Israel is in for sure. In their pov 2024 was a success. The other delegations on the other hand are probably going to be less tolerant with EBU's bullshit and handling of Israel's participation. I can see some delegations giving ultimatums or protest withdrawals. I think Netherlands is a likely withdrawal if EBU doesn't do damage control.

It'll also depend if there would be any changes in the supervisors. It'll also be 1 year from now, so plenty of time for EBU to butter up the delegations.

 

[Morty]

If doesn't step out voluntarily, then I hope many other countries (including ) will. The contest as it is right now can not continue. Moroccanoil needs to go, and EBU needs to have some changes in the leadership.

 

[GRE]

Netherlands and San Marino will stay out,

but I can see possible return of Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia even Romania.

Bulgaria, Bosnia, Turkey, Andorra and Slovakia are just wishful thoughts.

I also don't think Kosovo will debut next year.

So, apparently Eurovision next year will have 38-39 countries.

 

[SpiritofKeiino]

Of the 37 this year, I think Netherlands are only a maybe (if the Joost situation is resolved satisfactorily). I do think Australia and San Marino will be back. I actually could see EBU trying to formulate a way to dump Israel, after this year's mess.

Likely returning: Monaco (new broadcaster, Lux encouragement)

Maybe returning: Bulgaria (if they get a sponsor), Romania, Montenegro, North Macedonia

Unlikely returning: Bosnia, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Andorra

No way returning: Morocco

So let's say we lose 1 country and gain 1, I think we will still be at 37 in 2025

 

[celestialsoothsayer]

36. I think two of the current participants won't return next year, one of which will definitely be the netherlands, and one country will return. at present, the most likely returnee seems to be monaco.

 

[Gwendal]

Funny: we may have to add Liechtenstein to the game!

Amazing: we've got some REAL news about Liechtenstein!

As 1FLTV is no longer interested getting into EBU, the radio-only broadcaster Radio Liechtenstein wants to try its luck.
Eurovoix reports (based on Liechtensteiner Vaterland) that "Radio Liechtenstein is in the process of applying for membership of the European Broadcasting Union. According to the report, the aim of EBU membership is to enable participation in the Eurovision Song Contest".
It's still tumultuous and unlikely but maybe, MAYBE, (no Valentina please stop), we'll have a new participating country in the coming years! >> REPORT <<

 

[blue00eyes]

I hope many will withdraw

 

[GRE]

After Montenegro, i can also see north Macedonia, Romania and maybe Bulgaria coming back.
On the other hand, I think Monaco will not come back once again. Actually i believe they will be the new turkey, each year we will expect them, and each year they won't come back.

 

[GRE]

Tomorrow, 11th of October, is the deadline for all the countries who want to withdraw without penalty.

Despite the fact that only 33 countries have confirmed participation until this moment,

I am optimistic that the final number will be higher than 2024 edition.