While 26 nations gather in Basel for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, a handful of familiar faces remain absent from the party. Political conflicts, financial woes and cultural clashes, each country’s story has left them outside the St. Jakobshalle arena. What happened to countries like Russia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Slovakia, and Turkey? Here’s a look at why they are not part of the Eurovision magic this year.
Russia
Known for the triumphs like Dima Bilan – Believe and stage spectacles that live rent-free in many fans’ minds, Russia is now completely off the Eurovision grid. Its absence since 2022 isn’t just about music, it’s political. Following the invasion of Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) suspended Russia’s broadcaster, and the country was barred from participating.
In 2025, Russia’s focus has shifted. Under orders from President Vladimir Putin, Russia is reviving the Intervision Song Contest, a Soviet-era event reimagined as a cultural counterweight to Eurovision. The aim? Promote “traditional values” and consolidate influence among aligned nations. It’s a bold departure, and while it might satisfy internal agendas, it leaves a void on the Eurovision stage.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria has served us some unforgettable entries in recent years — Poli Genova – If love was a crime, anyone? Or Kristian Kostov’s Beautiful mess, which nearly snatched the trophy in 2017. But behind the scenes, Bulgaria’s broadcaster BNT has been grappling with tight budgets.
The country last participated in 2022 and has since been on a Eurovision hiatus due to financial constraints. In a statement earlier this season, BNT confirmed they would not be returning in 2025. It’s a pragmatic decision, but still heartbreaking for fans who have come to expect emotional ballads from the Balkan nation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
There’s a certain nostalgia when we think of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Eurovision. With their ethereal ballads and quirky folk-pop hybrids, the country brought charm and cultural richness to the contest. But Bosnia and Herzegovina has not participated since 2016, and sadly, 2025 continues the trend.
Their broadcaster BHRT remains burdened by significant financial difficulties. As long as these debts are unresolved, participation remains out of reach. It’s a tragic case of talent being shackled by structural issues, and fans can only hope that one day, the nation’s voice will return to the Eurovision stage.
Belarus
Belarus’ story is perhaps the most dramatic. After being disqualified in 2021 for submitting songs deemed too political, the nation has been absent from Eurovision entirely. The broadcaster BTRC was expelled from the EBU, cutting Belarus off from the contest.
Now, like Russia, Belarus is throwing its weight behind the Intervision Song Contest. Applications opened early this year, and BTRC has made it clear they are focusing on a different kind of competition, one that aligns more closely with their government’s messaging. For Eurovision fans, it’s another case of politics robbing us of potential musical moments.
Slovakia
Slovakia might not have the same trophy cabinet as some countries, but it still holds a warm place in the Eurovision community. Songs like Kristína – Horehronie from 2010 are cult classics. But after several lacklustre results and mounting financial pressures, Slovakia quietly stepped away from the contest in 2013.
In 2024, the broadcaster STVR confirmed they would once again not participate in Eurovision 2025. It’s a low-drama exit, but no less disappointing. The lack of public enthusiasm and limited resources make a comeback unlikely in the near future, though as any Eurovision fan knows, surprises are always possible.
Turkey
Last but certainly not least, we come to Turkey, a Eurovision titan whose withdrawal continues to sting. Turkey last participated in 2012 with Can Bonomo – Love me back, and despite persistent fan campaigns and a strong diaspora support, it has remained out of the contest.
The Turkish broadcaster TRT has long voiced criticism of Eurovision’s voting system and what it perceives as a misalignment with Turkey’s cultural values. The inclusion of gender-diverse artists has been cited as a point of contention. In 2025, there are still no signs of a return.
As Eurovision Song Contest 2025 captivates audiences with glittering acts, soaring vocals, and moments of pure chaos and joy, we’ll keep a hopeful eye on the scoreboard — waiting for those missed voices to sing once more.
