The EBU has just revealed some important details about the next edition of Junior Eurovision. Eighteen countries will take part in the first Contest under the new branding, with more details revealed on the specific visuals of Tbilisi 2025, including the stage design.
18 countries – the ins and outs of JESC
These are the 18 countries that will take part in the Contest in December:
- 🇦🇱 Albania (RTSH)
- 🇦🇲 Armenia (AMPTV)
- 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan (Ictimai) – returning
- 🇭🇷 Croatia (HRT) – returning
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus (CyBC)
- 🇫🇷 France (France Télévisions)
- 🇬🇪 Georgia (GPB)
- 🇮🇪 Ireland (TG4)
- 🇮🇹 Italy (Rai)
- 🇲🇹 Malta (PBS)
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro (RTCG) – returning
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands (AVROTROS)
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (MKRTV)
- 🇵🇱 Poland (TVP)
- 🇵🇹 Portugal (RTP)
- 🇸🇲 San Marino (SMRTV)
- 🇪🇸 Spain (RTVE)
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine (Suspilne)
This marks the return of three countries.
Azerbaijan comes back after last participating in 2021, and will be taking part in the contest for the fifth time (after 2021, 2018, 2013 and 2012). As for the Balkan returnees, Montenegro is back after participating in 2014 and 2015, while Croatia returns after a one-year comeback in 2014. This was after a hiatus that followed their participation during the first four editions of the Junior Contest (2003-2006), including a victory in the first ever edition, with Dino Jelusić.
The Contest will also see the withdrawal of two countries: Germany and Estonia. This will change the number of participants from seventeen in Madrid 2024 to eighteen in Tbilisi 2025.
Visual identity and unified branding
The next Junior Eurovision Song Contest will also be the first Eurovision event to use the new branding revealed in August 2025, without the “70th anniversary” elements. This includes both the new visuals of the “Eurovision Song Contest” name and heart, as well as the “United by Music” slogan.
The first elements of artwork revealed for Tbilisi 2025 are around the slogan, with letters “breaking free into spontaneous, handwritten shapes that echo the playful creativity of the young artists representing their countries.” Depending on the variations, some of the letters are drawn in coloured, wavy form, with a similar form in the background. The artworks use contrast from dark but flashy colours (dark blue, purple, red, etc.) with lighter colours (green, yellow, cyan) used in the slogan variations.
First visuals for the stage
Georgia’s broadcaster GBP also revealed the first visuals for the stage which will be built to host the contest in Tbilisi’s Olympic Palace.
The stage is described by the broadcaster as “drawing deeply from Georgia’s heritage while celebrating the dynamism of young performers”. The elevated elements on the sides symbolise the villages, forts, citadels and towers spread across the mountainous landscapes of the country, while the central circular stage represents a Domi, a traditionnal Georgian drum (as can be seen from the triangular shapes on its sides, matching the strings around drums).
Martin Green, Eurovision Director, has reacted to these elements and praised GPB for their hosting.
We are thrilled to welcome 18 talented young artists and their delegations to Tbilisi. The Junior Eurovision Song Contest is a unique showcase of youthful creativity and cultural diversity, and every year it reminds us of the boundless energy and imagination of Europe’s next generation.
Martin Green, Eurovision Director
Our thanks go to GPB for their dedication and creativity in preparing a stunning stage and artwork for what will be an unforgettable event.
We can’t wait to share this magical experience with the world in December.
How do you feel about the stage? The visual identity? The adaptation of the slogan and permanent logo? Tell us more in the comments below!
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