A total of 40 countries have confirmed their participation in the 50th Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Kiev on 19th and 21st May, 2005. The European Broadcasting Union officially confirmed that to esctoday.com.

Like we already published this morning, the following countries will appear on stage in Kiev.

Eurovision Song Contest 2005 Qualifier round (19th May, 2005) | 26
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria (NEW!)
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
FYR Macedonia
Hungary (returns, last participation in 1998)
Ireland
Iceland
Israel
Latvia
Lebanon (NEW!)
Lithuania
Moldova (NEW!)
Monaco
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
Switzerland

Eurovision Song Contest 2005 Final (21st May, 2005) | 14
Albania
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cyprus
France (BIG4)
Germany (BIG4)
Greece
Malta
Russia
Serbia & Montenegro
Spain (BIG4)
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine (winner 2004)
United Kingdom (BIG4)

The Czech Republic withdrew a few weeks ago, while Lebanon pulled back its withdrawal and will take part in the upcoming contest. Broadcasters can still withdraw, but as penalty they have to pay the full participation fee.

The running order of the songs will be determined by a draw to be held in Kiev on 21st March, 2005.