The countdown to the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö has begun, and many countries are already in full preparation to select their entries. At the same time many countries will only let us know about their plans in the new year. We have tried to get as much information for this list as possible at this stage, and contacted most delegations directly for details.

There is a link to the corresponding Esctoday articles where we have some information. We will be updating the list as more details become available.

We shall concentrate on the 49 currently existing countries that have so far taken part at least once in the Eurovision Song Contest. There have been no indications that another one of the active members of the European Broadcasting Union EBU would want to join the contest. There are neither any new EBU members this year, and the next time EBU will consider new active members in January will be too late for 2013. So under current Eurovision Song Contest rules it is very unlikely that a new country could enter the contest in Malmö.

 

Definitely planning to participate at this stage:

• Albania – Festival i këngës in December 2012
• Armenia
• Austria – details not known
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Denmark – Danish Melodi Grand Prix final TBC
• Estonia – Eesti laul final 2 March 2013
• Finland – Uuden musiikin kilpailu final 9 February 2013
• Germany 
• Iceland – Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins final 9 February 2013
• Ireland
• Israel – national final Jan-Feb 2013
• Lithuania – selection shows start in Oct 2012
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway – Melodi Grand Prix final 9 February 2013
• Slovakia
• Sweden – Melodifestivalen final 9 March 2013
• Switzerland – Die grosse Entscheidungsshow 15 December 2012 
• United Kingdom

 

The following countries are expected to participate, but final confirmation or independent verification not received from these countries. Many countries will still be waiting for the formal invitation from EBU, as well as the preliminary budget. Also, the rehearsal schedule and how many days each country will need to stay in the host city will be important information, before cash-strapped broadcasters for example can decide. And some have just not yet wanted to make their plans officially public.

• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Belgium (RTBF)
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• France
• Georgia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• FYR Macedonia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Ukraine

 

Likely not to participate after years of absence (but only Luxembourg has actually confirmed this)

• Andorra
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Morocco