22 songs will be selected for the upcoming Malta Song for Europe festival, 6 more than usual. The measure is part of the agreement reached by UKAM and the Maltasong Board yesterday.
However yesterday's agreement still allows the participation of foreign composers and authors, the Maltasong Board has made a compromise with UKAM to raise the amount of finalists from 16 to 22. The Malta Song for Europe Festival takes place on 18th and 19th February 2005.
It also has been agreed that as of next year participation of foreign composers and authors will be restricted to those coming from countries where Maltese composers and authors have equal opportunities to participate. According to UKAM, 37 of the participating countries at the Eurovision Song Contest do not allow foreign participation.
The deadline for song submissions has been set on today, 16.00 CET.
