France, whose representative Lou Deleuze won the 2025 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, has pulled out of the 2026 contest.
This was announced by France’s public broadcaster France Télévisions.
Frenchwoman Lou Deleuze won the final of this year’s Junior Eurovision. She won the right for her country to host the contest next year. But that won’t happen.
The French public broadcaster said it plans to save €140 million in 2026 to balance its budget. Hosting a large-scale music contest doesn’t fit into these plans.
The country also plans to cut its broadcasting network costs, reduce the number of programs, and resell the rights to broadcast some sporting events.
The country had already refused to host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, when the Olympic Games were taking place in Paris. The contest was sponsored by Spain, whose representative placed second.