This year sees a record 42 nations competing for the Eurovision Song Contest prize, including amongst them 2 returning countries in the shape of Hungary and Austria. A lot of time is devoted each year to fans praying for the return of Italy and rumours about Tango TV joining the EBU and allowing the return of 5 time winner Luxembourg, but what about the other 'missing' country – Slovakia?

Well, it seems that 2008 could finally see the next entry from Slovakia, after the central European nation last took part with Modlitba in Birmingham 1998.

STV, the Slovak broadcaster, decided not to return after being relegated for the 3rd consecutive contest due to the disappointing results they got, despite the fact that they sent some of the country's biggest stars.

Katarina Hasprová received only 8 points in 1998, all of which came from Croatia, to end in 21st place. Martin Durida & Tublatanká didn't do much better in 1994, getting a 19th place with 15 points, whereas Elán failed to even qualify from the Eastern semi final in 1993 with Amnestia na neveru. In fact, the 'best' Slovak result so far was achieved in 1996, when Marcel Polander performed Kým nás máš and got an 18th place with 19 points. If Slovakia do come back in 2008 – which remains to be seen, as we haven't got any concrete decision on how new and returning countries will be dealt with in 2008, and also there is plenty of time for STV to change their mind in the next few months – they will be hoping to finally break the 20 points barrier!

Slovakia's neighbour and long-time political partner the Czech Republic will make its debut in the semi final of the contest this year with Kabát and the song Malá dama.