Following Dara’s triumph at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which secured Bulgaria the right to host the event in 2027, the national broadcaster BNT is actively engaging with potential host cities. Milena Milotinova, Director General of BNT, has clarified the broadcaster’s vision, emphasising a search for a ‘partner city’ rather than simply a host city for the upcoming contest.
Bulgaria to host Eurovision 2027 after Dara’s victory
Bulgaria is gearing up to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, a momentous occasion brought about by Dara’s victory at Eurovision 2026. This marks a historic moment for the nation, and the preparations are already well underway. Milena Milotinova, the Director General of Bulgarian National Television (BNT), is at the forefront of the organisational efforts, particularly concerning the selection of the host city.
Seeking a ‘Partner City’ for a long-term investment
Milotinova recently articulated BNT’s strategic approach to hosting, stating that the broadcaster is looking for a ‘partner city’, not merely a host city. This distinction underscores a desire for a deeper, more collaborative relationship with the chosen municipality. The concept of a ‘partner city’ implies shared responsibility, not only in the immediate logistical and financial aspects of staging the contest but also in leveraging the event for long-term economic and cultural benefits.
Milena Milotinova says:
BNT is not just looking for a place to hold the competition, it is looking for a partner – a partner municipality that will go all the way with BNT in organizing this competition next year.
The Director General highlighted the immense scale of the Eurovision Song Contest, describing it as a large-scale project and a significant long-term investment in the economy. She noted the substantial tourism impact of previous contests, with host cities welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors. BNT aims to work closely with the chosen city to ensure that Eurovision 2027 leaves a lasting positive legacy.
Candidate cities and rigorous requirements
Several Bulgarian cities have already expressed keen interest in hosting Eurovision 2027, including the capital Sofia, along with Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. BNT has commenced working meetings with the mayors of these cities, outlining the stringent requirements and technical specifications necessary to stage an event of this magnitude.
The criteria are extensive, encompassing a venue with a capacity of at least 10,000 spectators, vast areas for a press centre, dedicated spaces for artists and their teams, and comprehensive infrastructure. Milotinova also mentioned that the cultural programme proposed by the candidate cities would be a crucial factor in the evaluation process. A working group will meticulously assess all proposals, and BNT, in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will make the final decision.
Milena has also confirmed that the four Bulgarian cities have expressed their willingness to partake in the Eurovision 2027 Host City race, with official confirmation by the end the week followed by the submission of the competition documentation.
Milena Milotinova says:
They are yet to submit competition documentation and are yet to enter the actual competition documentation. Yesterday we had our first meeting with them with a presentation of the EBU’s requirements for the Eurovision Song Contest, at which they had the opportunity to ask their questions not only to BNT as the host, but also to our guest Andreas Schmidt, who has been involved with the Eurovision Song Contest for more than 10 years. In fact, he is an event manager and security manager at the EBU, so I think they received comprehensive answers to the questions the mayors asked.
Government support and expedited selection process
Milotinova expressed gratitude for the Bulgarian government’s swift commitment to support the country’s hosting preparations, affirming that BNT will collaborate closely with state institutions and the EBU throughout the entire process. The Director General also indicated that the selection process for the host city is being expedited, with the announcement expected by the end of July 2026. This accelerated timeline aims to allow the administration of the winning city ample time to launch necessary public procurement processes and ensure a seamless organisation for Eurovision 2027.
