Czech public broadcaster ČT said on 6 October 2026 that it will not take part in Eurovision 2027, which is set to be held in Burgas[1]. That ends an unbroken run of Czech entries stretching back to the country's return to the contest in 2015. In 2026, the most recent edition, Daniel Žižka finished 16th in the final[2].
ČT points to its budget as the main reason. "Given the ongoing changes to our budget, Czech Television has decided not to take part in the 2027 edition," the broadcaster said, calling the contest "a large-scale project with heavy demands on scheduling, production and organisation"[1]. Czech media had reported earlier that ČT was weighing a pullout specifically because it needs to cut costs[3].
The decision comes as Czechia moves to scrap the TV and radio licence fee. The government approved the law on 15 June 2026, and it takes effect on 1 January 2027. From then, ČT and Český rozhlas will be funded straight from the state budget[4]. ČT says it needs to save 350 million Czech crowns (about €14.3m) in 2027. If the government's plan goes through as it stands, the broadcaster's income could fall by around 1 billion crowns (about €41m)[5].
ČT also said it will not buy the broadcast rights for the 2027 contest. The broadcaster reviews each edition on its own and has not ruled out coming back in future, though it gave no timeline[5].
EBU's response
The EBU, which runs Eurovision, said it regrets the decision. "We're sorry that Czech Television won't be able to take part in Eurovision in 2027 because of the financial pressure it's under. We fully understand that broadcasters have to make hard choices," said contest director Martin Green[6]. Green said the decision reflects wider financial pressure on public broadcasters across Europe, and that Eurovision is just one part of that picture. The EBU hopes ČT will return to the stage once circumstances allow[6].
Organisers have not said how Czechia's withdrawal will affect the other acts at the Burgas contest in May 2027[1].
Comments (1)
бургас ли?! еее, не е истина! мислех си, че наистина ще стане тук евровизията... жалко, ама какво да се прави, парите са важни все пак. дано поне да се ВЪРНАТ по-късно, че градът ни заслужаваше едно такова събитие.