Slovenia’s broadcaster will decide on its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on a year-by-year basis, despite just announcing its withdrawal from the competition. 

RTV was one of four broadcasters to withdraw from next year’s edition of the contest in protest against Israel’s confirmed inclusion in Vienna. 

But Slovenia’s own exile from Eurovision isn’t guaranteed to be long-lasting, even if Israel remains a participating country. 

Natalija Gorščak, President of the RTV Management Board, spoke to The Euro Trip in her first feature-length English language interview since her broadcaster withdrew from the competition on December 4. 

Asked if Eurovision was in disrepute, Gorščak said: “Of course it is. For the last eight years we’ve had a lot of politics at Eurovision. 

“Eurovision was always a bit political. It was in the 90s [with] Insieme. And when the Eastern Bloc fell down, the countries came and so on. Basically I think the politicisation since 2017 was never there – this is not OK.” 

“We are not boycotting. We are not saying, ‘Don’t go to Eurovision’. We are just not there because we don’t agree with Israel being there and I think it’s our right [to withdraw]. 

“We will see if everything is OK this year [2026], maybe we will come back next year [2027]. If things go OK, I think we will come back.” 

During the first day of the EBU’s Winter General Assembly in Geneva last week, broadcasters voted to approve a package of measures designed to combat outside manipulation of the results of Eurovision. 

This vote acted as a de facto vote to approve Israel’s inclusion in the competition, and as a result, four broadcasters withdrew in protest: Slovenia’s RTV, Spain’s RTVE, Netherlands’ AVROTROS, and Ireland’s RTÉ. 

RTV was one broadcaster which voted against the proposed changes to the rules on voting and song promotion, despite favouring their passing. 

Had the measures not passed, a direct vote on Israel’s inclusion would have been held. 

@eurotrippodcast

‘Does it undermine Eurovision?’ ‘Of course. Of course. Of course’ 🇸🇮 RTV’s Natalija Gorščak from Slovenia speaks about the Israeli Government’s influence on the contest #eurovision #eurovision2026 #esc2026

♬ original sound – The Euro Trip Podcast

Pressed on Slovenia’s withdrawal being considered on a year-by-year basis, Gorščak said: “Of course. We will also see what our viewers and users say about it. We listen to our audience a lot.

“Our audience said it last year; performers and musicians don’t want us to be at Eurovision. Our country has decided that.”