French national public broadcaster France Télévisions has announced it will not host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to financial difficulties.
France was awarded the opportunity to host the contest after Lou Deleuze withdrew from this year’s competition.
The primary reason is cost savings: France Télévisions’ board of directors approved a budget for 2026 that will save approximately €140 million. In light of these severe budget constraints, the broadcaster has decided to cancel additional costly projects, including organizing the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.