Kosovo's RTK pursues Eurovision dream: Formal request for 2025 participation

Pristina, June 13, 2024 - Kosovo's national broadcaster, RTK, has formally requested an invitation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. In a letter addressed to Martin Österdahl, the EBU's Executive Supervisor, RTK Director General Shkumbin Ahmetxhekaj expressed Kosovo's strong ambition to join this prestigious cultural event.

RTK has been actively promoting musical talent within Kosovo and successfully organizing its own national song contest, the Festivali i Këngës në RTK. The broadcaster plans to host the contest's second edition in 2025, hoping that the winning song will represent Kosovo in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Taking inspiration from countries like Australia, which have received invitations to participate in Eurovision, RTK believes Kosovo's inclusion would showcase the nation's vibrant talent and reinforce Eurovision's spirit of inclusion and cultural exchange.

However, Kosovo's participation in Eurovision hinges on its membership in either the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or the Council of Europe, criteria Kosovo has not yet met due to its partial international recognition. The political implications of including a country not universally recognized by all participating states may pose challenges.