Finally, and after strong indications that Estonia would be very likely to withdraw from the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest due to financial reasons, the country's broadcaster ERR has confirmed that Estonia will be in Oslo next year. This is thanks to a 1.5 million EEK (around 95,900 euro) donation from the foundation Enterprise Estonia (EAS), while the broadcaster will cover up to 300,000 EEK (19,170 euro) of the costs of the national selection process.
The Estonian broadcaster will stick to the successful formula that brought them a valuable 6th place this year in Moscow, the national selection contest Eesti Laul, whose regulations will be published on November 16th. Nevertheless, the competition will be simplified and shortened in order to cut expenses.
One of the members of the Estonia Enterprise board, Maria Alajõe, has stated that the foundation has decided to support the national broadcaster because Eurovision is a good opportunity to introduce the country to an audience of nearly 150 million people.
ERR president, Margus Allikmaa, has shown his happiness and thanked EAS for their financial support. Mr Allikmaa went on saying that "Eurovision is an event that no doubt offers a chance for small countries to showcase themselves" in front of a very large number of viewers.
Also, Heidi Pruuli, editor-in-chief at ETV, the television branch of ERR, stressed on the "disappointment" that many fans could have felt if finally Estonia had decided to withdraw from the contest. Eurovision is a very popular show with Estonians especially after winning it back in 2001, something that "boosted self-awareness and national pride"
Estonia was represented in Moscow 2009 by Urban Symphony with the song Rändajad, landing on 6th place in the final.
