Bulgaria will announce the host city for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest by the end of June or early July, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov. The decision follows a competitive selection process involving four candidate cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Bulgaria has identified at least four existing venues capable of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, a scale of event that organizers expect will place the country at the center of global media attention.
The Selection Process
The race to host the song contest intensified this week following a meeting between Milena Milotinova, Director General of the Bulgarian National Television (BNT), and the mayors of the four bidding cities. The discussions focused on assessing the infrastructure and logistical capacity of each location.
Martin Green, the director of the Eurovision Song Contest, has already visited the country to inspect potential sites. He publicly praised Bulgaria for its “extremely fast reaction and professional approach to the preparation” for the event.
The selection of a host city is a high-stakes decision that balances technical venue requirements with the broader tourism and international branding goals of the nation. By involving the National Board of Tourism, the government is signaling that the event is viewed as a significant opportunity to showcase Bulgarian infrastructure and hospitality on a global stage.
What Happens Next
Following the site evaluations, a formal announcement regarding the host city is expected within the next few weeks. Once the location is confirmed, organizers will likely move into the technical planning phase, which involves coordinating security, media facilities, and international logistics for the participating delegations. The government’s timeline suggests that the final decision will be finalized no later than early July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities are competing to host Eurovision?
The cities currently under consideration are Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
When will the host city be announced?
The announcement is scheduled for the end of June or the beginning of July.
How has the international organization responded to the preparations?
Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, has commended the country for its rapid and professional response to the preparations thus far.
Which of the four candidate cities do you believe is best equipped to host an event of this scale?
