Despite ERT initially considering a return to Junior Eurovision 2020, it has been announced today that Greece will not be taking part in this year’s contest, set to be held in Warsaw.
EurovisionFun have reported that ERT made the decision not to take part in the contest, with management deciding that they would continue with their non-participation.
12 years and counting…
With another year out of the contest, it now means Greece have not taken part in the junior contest for 12 years. Greece last took part in 2008, the year after they finished last place with just 14 points.
Today, the director of International Relations for ERT, Maria Koufopoulou, confirmed to EurovisionFun that:
The company’s management decided to continue the same policy this year, namely abstention.
– Maria Koufopoulou, Director of International Relations for ERT
Earlier this month, it was thought that Greece may return to the contest as part of a drive to commission new content for ERT to increase viewer numbers. The possibility of a return to Junior Eurovision will be re-evaluated in 2021.
Greece at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Greece was the first country to perform an entry at Junior Eurovision, opening the first ever contest in 2003. Nicolas Ganopoulos represented Greece in the first contest with “Fili gia panda”. The entry finished in eighth place, and was the first of six Greek Junior Eurovision entries.
Greece scored their best result in 2005 with a sixth place finish. Their entry that year was Alexandros and Kalli’s “Tora einai i seira mas”. Their worst result was in 2007, when Made In Greece finished in last place.
Are you sad that Greece won’t be taking part? Were you hoping to see a Greek return this year?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.