The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) has released the list of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest participating countries today. A total of 37 countries will compete in Liverpool.

31 countries will compete in the 2 semi-finals scheduled to be held on 9 and 11 May. A total of 26 countries will compete in the grand final on 13 May.

The Big 5 countries (Spain, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany) and the ESC 2022 winner Ukraine are automatically qualified to compete in the grand final. Hence 20/31 countries will proceed from the semi-finals to the grand final and join the Big 5  and Ukraine.

Hence 37 nations will be battling for the coveted Eurovision trophy in Liverpool next year.

Martin Osterdahl ( EBU/Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor) says:

We’re looking forward to welcoming artists from all 37 countries to Liverpool, the city of pop, next May.

Next year’s competition promises to be an extra special one and we’re working hard with the BBC right now to ensure that hundreds of millions of viewers will enjoy the best Eurovision Song Contest yet, with Ukraine at the heart of the event.

Participating countries

1. Albania
2. Armenia
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Azerbaijan
6. Belgium
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
11. Estonia
12. Finland
13. France
14. Germany
15. Georgia
16. Greece
17. Iceland
18. Ireland
19. Israel
20. Italy
21. Latvia
22. Lithuania
23. Malta
24. Moldova
25. The Netherlands
    
26. Norway
27. Poland
28. Portugal
29. Romania
30. San Marino
31. Serbia
32. Slovenia
33. Spain
34. Sweden
35. Switzerland
36. Ukraine
37. United Kingdom

North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Montenegro have withdrawn from the competition and will not compete at next year’s edition. We will not have any returning or debuting countries at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 9, 11 and 13 May at the Liverpool Arena in Liverpool, England.

Source: EBU/BBC
Photo credit: Visit Liverpool