Croatia Pulls Plug on 2014 Eurovision Song Contest

Croatia has decided to pull out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The organiser of the competition to find Croatia’s representative at the annual event, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), has decided that Croatia will take a break in 2014.

HRT released a statement yesterday, saying that poor recent performances and cost involved were key factors in the decision.
“As a public service broadcaster, HRT is especially mindful of the fact that state funds are spent effectively. In light of recent poor performances by Croatia’s representatives it has been decided that we will take a break from the contest. The decision to take a break from the contest has already been made by other European nations, especially those affected by the economic crisis and recession”, said the statement.

HRT says that depending on interest they will decide in due course if the Croatia-less 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast on television or not.