The final decision on whether Spain has withdrawn from the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest is due later this week. In the mean time, the EBU continues to talk to new broadcasters with a view to increasing the participation numbers at the event in 2008. In a bid to reduce some of the broadcaster objections to the show, it will no longer be required to broadcast the Junior event live.

Although the incoming head of the broadcaster, TVE, has said that he is opposed to Spain’s participation on ethical grounds, the EBU has thus far still not been officially informed of the withdrawal.

Steve De Coninck-De Boeck, chairman of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest Steering Group explained to Eurosong that Spain’s participation is uncertain. "Spain’s withdrawal would mean a financial loss, but we can deal with it. The EBU is talking with eight countries that are interested to participate in the Junior ESC".

esctoday.com can confirm that Turkey, Ireland, Denmark and Israel are countries that are exploring the possibility of joining the competition in Cyprus for the 2008 event. We also understand that at this stage, there are no plans for the United Kingdom to return to the event with none of the three possible broadcasters showing an interest in the event.