Bulgaria must select a host city for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest by August 2026, according to Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev. The decision follows the victory of Bulgarian artist DARA with her song “Bangaranga” at the 2026 competition in Vienna. A government-led interdepartmental committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, is overseeing the organization of the event.
Did You Know? The host city selection process is governed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and involves site visits by EBU representatives and the host broadcaster, BNT, to evaluate the official bids.
The Selection Process and Candidate Cities
On Monday, the mayors of Sofia, Burgas, Plovdiv, and Varna met with BNT Director Milena Milotina and EBU representative Andreas Schmidt to review requirements. According to Milotina, the decision will be made in partnership between the national broadcaster and the EBU following detailed candidate assessments. Candidates are expected to confirm their continued participation in the selection process by the end of the week, with a final decision anticipated in July.
Each city has presented specific arguments for their candidacy:
- Sofia: Mayor Vasil Terziev highlighted the capital’s infrastructure, including an 18,000-seat venue that previously hosted the Junior Eurovision, as well as the country’s largest airport and hotel capacity.
- Burgas: Mayor Dimitar Nikolov pointed to a sports hall that meets contest criteria, supported by 450 hotels within a 25-30 minute radius and proximity to the city’s international airport.
- Varna: Mayor Blagomir Kotsev emphasized the city’s identity as the “sea capital” and its extensive experience in hosting festivals.
- Plovdiv: Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov focused on the city’s ongoing investment in cultural infrastructure and its history of organizing large-scale events.
Why the 2027 Hosting Matters
The government views the 2027 contest as a significant platform for Bulgaria. Minister Miloshev emphasized that the event is more than a concert; it is a major process with positive support from the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Andreas Schmidt noted that hosting offers a substantial opportunity to generate tourism revenue, with the potential for additional economic benefits through careful planning.
The scale of the event is underscored by the 2026 competition statistics provided by Milotina. The 2026 contest reached a broad audience, with a 42% increase in average viewership and a 55% rise among viewers aged 24 and under. Digital engagement was particularly high, with official content generating over 2.75 billion views across social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The selection of a host city represents a complex balancing act between existing large-scale infrastructure and the long-term economic strategy of the state. While Sofia offers the largest venue capacity, the EBU and host broadcaster must weigh logistical connectivity against the potential for regional revitalization in cities like Burgas, Varna, or Plovdiv. The tight deadline for the selection process suggests that the government is prioritizing immediate logistical readiness to accommodate the influx of delegates, journalists, and fans expected in the spring of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the host city be announced?
The host city is expected to be announced in July 2026, with the selection process slated for completion by August.
Who makes the final decision on the host city?
BNT, as the host broadcaster, makes the decision in partnership with the EBU after reviewing candidate applications and conducting site visits.
What is the role of the government in this process?
The government has established an interdepartmental organizational committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, to manage the preparations for the competition.
Which city do you believe is best equipped to host an event of this scale?
