Romania returns after 2 years
The Board of Directors of the Romanian Television Company (SRTv) in its meeting of meeting today has approved Romania’s participation in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), which will take place in May 2026 in Vienna.
The moment has a double and symbolic significance: the year 2026 marks 70 years of existence of Romanian Television, but also 70 editions of the Eurovision Song Contest which is one of the longest-running and most-watched music competitions in the world.
Romania, through Romanian Television, has participated in Eurovision since 1993, achieving notable performances over time: third place with Luminița Anghel & Sistem (Kiev, 2005) and with Paula Seling & Ovi (Oslo, 2010), respectively fourth place with Mihai Trăistariu (Athens, 2006).
Romania last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, with Theodor Andrei’s “D.G.T. (Off And On)”, the song scored 0 points in its Semi-Final.
Romania actively participated in Eurovision from 1994 until its withdrawal in 2024 due to financial problems.
Dan-Cristian Turturică, President-General Director of SRTv stated: “We proposed the resumption of Romania’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest because… we had the time to better understand what did not work in the relationship between TVR, the music industry and the creators.”.
He continued “We appreciate the understanding shown by the European Broadcasting Union, which adapted its invitation to Romanian Television to return to the contest, taking into account the challenges our institution faces.”
Lastly he added: “With today’s decision, TVR reaffirms its commitment to supporting Romanian artists, to capitalizing on the creative potential of the music industry and to promoting Romania on one of the most prestigious international stages”
Romania will be competing for a spot in the grand final with all other countries in Eurovision 2025, exept the Big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kindom) and host Austria.
The 2026 edition will take place in Vienna, with the semi-finals on May 12 and 14 and the grand final on May 16.
