We haven’t seen Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2012 when Maya Sar came 18th with ‘Korake Ti Znam’. After three years of absence from the contest it looked like we might finally be welcoming them back along with other returnees including Ukraine and Bulgaria.
However, it looks like it could be another case of so near, yet so far, as yesterday it was confirmed that Bosnian broadcaster BHRT has withdrawn its application to compete in this year’s contest due to lack of funding.
This isn’t the first time that this has happened. For the last couple of years, BHRT expressed an interest in returning to Eurovision, but ultimately was unable and pulled out at the last minute. It looks to be the same again this year, although the EBU has thrown the broadcaster a lifeline.
BHRT has been given until the end of October to apply again if it so desires. So whilst things are looking bleak for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s return, and effectively they are out of the 2016 contest as of now, all is not lost. If the means to afford participation can be found before the new extended deadline, then we might be seeing Bosnia-Herzegovina back at Eurovision after all. Watch this space.
