Liechtenstein, one of only 3 recognised European states to have never participated in the contest, will not be debuting in 2022. Speaking to ESCToday, 1FL TV confirmed that the microstate will not debut at the 2022 Eurovision edition next year due to the high participation costs.
1 FLT TV, Liechtenstein’s broadcaster, has been trying to apply for an EBU membership for years. However, the broadcaster is still not an active member of the EBU and therefore ineligible to participate in the contest.
All the way back in 2017, the broadcaster noted their intention to debut in the 2019 contest. However, they later confirmed that they had not applied for EBU membership the following year. Last year, the broadcaster highlighted the need for government approval for joining the EBU, as well as the cost associated. The death of former 1 FLT TV director Peter Kolbel, who had been leading the bid for EBU membership, was also a factor in the delaying of progress.
Financial hurdles (still) remain
Speaking to ESCToday, a 1FL TV spokesperson reiterated the challenges the microstate faces in joining the EBU, and therefore the contest.
Firstly, the government would have to agree to the ongoing cost of EBU membership, which has lead to debt for states like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania in the past.
Beyond this, there is also the cost of participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is especially notable for a state as small as Liechtenstein.
The broadcaster noted that despite the microstate having a population of less than 40,000, Liechtenstein has a rich cultural heritage, with many musicians who would love to participate in the contest.
We hope to see them debut in the future! Liechtenstein, Kosovo and Vatican City remain the only 3 internationally-recognised states to have never participated in the contest.
Are you sad to see that Liechtenstein will not be debuting next year? Do you hope to see them participate in the future? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
