Eurovision 2023: Why Russia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria aren’t competing in this year’s contest

Eurovision 2023 is just a matter of hours away, with Liverpool ready to play host to thousands of international guests. Despite Ukraine’s victory at last year’s competition, the UK will host the show on their behalf on Saturday (May 13).

This is because the country’s ongoing war with Russia makes it impossible to stage the contest there. The competition has also only welcomed 37 nations this year, as opposed to 40 in 2022.

Countries that will not appear in Liverpool include North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria - as well as Russia for the second year running.

Why are Russia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and North Macedonia not appearing at Eurovision 2023?

Russia was banned from competing in 2022’s competition following its invasion of Ukraine. This decision upheld by the European Broadcasting Union for 2023.

The move had a knock-on effect which saw Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro pull out of the contest. This is because each national broadcaster is required to pay a fee to take part, the amount of which depends on the size of the country.

Russia, as a large country, was a major financial contributor. Without their share, other countries were asked to cough up more to make up the funds.