Czech Television will not take part in Eurovision 2027, citing ongoing budget adjustments and the demands of the contest. The broadcaster also has no plans to broadcast the event
Czechia will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. The announcement comes in a post on Česká televize’s (ČT) Eurovision Instagram account.
Česká televize explains that the contest involves significant programming, production and organizational demands. In view of ongoing budget adjustments, the broadcaster has decided not to take part in 2027.
The decision applies to the 2027 edition, with no date given for a return. Česká televize says:
– We evaluate each edition of the contest separately, so we do not wish to speculate at this time on when Czech Television will rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest.
The broadcaster also says it does not plan to purchase a broadcast licence for the contest.
According to the post, Czech fans can watch the official online stream on the Eurovision YouTube channel and vote for their favorites. Those votes will count towards the “Rest of the World” category.
Budget cuts
The withdrawal comes as Czech Television plans to save CZK 350 million (around €14.3 million) in 2027, according to Aktuálně.cz. The broader savings plan includes job cuts and the cancellation or reduced frequency of several programmes.
ČT Director General Hynek Chudárek says the savings will help the broadcaster prepare for an uncertain budget and avoid sudden cuts to its programmes and services.
Announcement from Česká televize
Czech Television will not be participating in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
Thank You!
We would like to thank all of our past representatives, who have represented the Czech music scene on the international stage with great dedication, talent, and creativity over the years.
A big thank you also goes to the fans and supporters of the Eurovision Song Contest, who have long supported Czech performers and helped build a strong community around the contest. For us, Eurovision remains an exceptional platform that connects music, creativity, and audiences across Europe.
Why did Czech Television decide not to participate in the 2027 contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest is a large-scale project with significant programming, production and organisational demands. In view of the budget adjustments currently underway, Czech Television has decided not to take part in the 2027 contest.
When will Czech Television return to the contest?
The decision applies to the 2027 edition. We evaluate each edition of the contest separately, so we do not wish to speculate at this time on when Czech Television will rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest.
Will Czech Television broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest even if no Czech artist is participating?
No, Czech Television does not plan to purchase a broadcast license either. However, Czech fans can watch the official online stream on the ESC YouTube channel and vote for their favorites. Those votes will then be counted in the “Rest of the World” category.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued the following statement on Czech Television’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2027:
Statement from the EBU
Statement on Czech Television being unable to participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2027
We regret that Česká televize will not be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 because of the financial pressures they are facing. We completely understand that broadcasters are having to make difficult choices, and we recognize the severe challenges facing many of our Members.
This decision reflects the broader financial pressure on public service media. Across our membership, broadcasters are working with constrained budgets and significant cuts, while costs rise and pressures mount. The Eurovision Song Contest is one part of that wider picture, and every broadcaster has to weigh its own priorities.
The EBU continues to work closely with its Members to support public service media.
We very much hope that Česká televize will return to the Contest when circumstances allow. They will always be welcome.
Martin Green CBE, Director Eurovision Song Contest
Czechia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 14 times. After three years of very poor results (2007, 2008, 2009), they decided to withdraw from the competition for five years, with only 10 points in their Eurovision account. But their hope for Eurovision never died, so they returned to the contest again in 2015, as well as the following years.
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