EBU announces line up of 2014 Eurovision Song Contest

European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed that public broadcasters from 36 countries will participate in the 59th Eurovision Song Contest to take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 6, 8 and 10 May, 2014.

Contest Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said that the EBU has made substantial efforts in recent months to help Members find solutions to meet the financial and organisational challenges imposed by Europe’s economic pressures.

“We are especially pleased this year to welcome back Poland and Portugal and sincerely regret the tough sacrifices Members such as Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia have been obliged to make amid severe budget restraints,” said Mr Sand.

“The EBU is extremely sensitive to the severe challenges facing many Members,” Mr Sand added. “However several broadcasters have already indicated to the EBU their intention to return in 2015, when the competition celebrates its 60th anniversary. “

As France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the host country Denmark are automatically qualified for the Final, a minimum of 29 countries will  participate in the Semi-Finals. From each Semi-Final, ten countries will qualify for the Final.

Last year, the two semi-finals and final reached a worldwide audience of 180 million people across Europe, as well as in Australia, Kazakhstan and China.