Moldova returns to Eurovision 2026 with new national selection format
The Republic of Moldova will participate in the International Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) officially announced its return after a one-year break.
The decision follows an extensive consultation process with artists, producers, and representatives of the local music industry, leading to the implementation of a new national selection format, inspired by European best practices and adapted to local specificities.
For the first time, the Moldova Eurovision 2026 national selection will be coordinated by two official producers, selected for their deep expertise and proven track record in the music field:
Serghei Orlov – a producer with the most extensive experience of participation in the international Eurovision contest, working alongside various artists.
Roman Burlaca – a local director and producer, recognized for his collaborations with the most popular local artists and for his significant contribution to the modern music scene in the Republic of Moldova.
The involvement of the official producers in the national contest is set to guarantee a professional, transparent, and credible selection process, emphasizing artistic value and the international competitiveness of the songs.
"This year, we managed to implement changes based on public opinion and extensive consultations with the artistic community, with musicians, performers, and producers. The Republica Moldova is returning to Eurovision in 2026 and aims for a participation as dignified as possible," declared Andrei Zapșa, Deputy General Director of the Teleradio-Moldova Company.
In this context, Teleradio-Moldova announces the start of contestant registration for the Eurovision National Selection 2026 beginning November 7.
Artists can submit their original songs to the address: [email protected], according to the conditions set in the contest regulations. The registration period will be open for 30 calendar days, and all details regarding participation are available on the institution's website.
To guarantee an objective evaluation process, the national final jury will consist of 20 members – five international and 15 national.
The 2026 edition marks 70 years since the launch of the Eurovision Contest and, at the same time, the 20th participation of the Republic of Moldova in the international competition.
To honor this special moment, Teleradio-Moldova offers the winner of the national final a cash prize intended for the preparations for the international stage. The two official producers will advise the winner throughout the entire preparation process to ensure a dignified and competitive representation of the country.
Confirming Moldova's participation in ESC 2026, Martin Green, the director of the international competition, declared: "We are delighted to welcome back public broadcaster TRM from Moldova after a year of absence. Moldova’s return to the contest reminds us of the power of our community, the strength of our values, and what it truly means to be united through music."
Moldova has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2005. The country's best result was in 2017, when the band "SunStroke Project" ranked third with the song "Hey Mamma."
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria. This is the third time the Austrian capital is hosting the contest, following the 1967 and 2015 editions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
