Bulgaria opens host-city bidding for Eurovision 2027 as Hristov leads preparations

Eurovoix reported on May 23 that Bulgaria will open the host-city bidding process for Eurovision 2027 within the next two weeks, giving the first timetable for how the country will choose the city that stages next year’s contest. The move follows Bulgaria’s victory at Eurovision 2026, when DARA won in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” delivering the country’s first Eurovision title. Bulgarian National Television, or BNT, is the host broadcaster for the 2027 contest, and the government has already begun formal planning with ministers and broadcasters. Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov is leading the state preparations, according to Bulgarian officials. ### What exactly starts within the next two weeks? Eurovoix said on May 23 that the bidding process to choose Eurovision 2027’s host city will begin within two weeks. That timetable shifts the process from post-victory celebrations to a formal competition among Bulgarian cities over venue availability, transport links, accommodation, security planning and financing. BTA reported on May 21 that Hristov said BNT must organize the first round for all interested cities. (eurovoix.com) He said the host-city decision had not yet been made and that Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna had already expressed interest. ### Who is running Bulgaria’s preparations? BTA reported on May 21 that Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov is heading preparations for the event. (eurovoix.com) His comments on Bulgarian National Television set out the initial financial frame for the project and confirmed that the government is treating Eurovision as a national operation rather than only a broadcaster-led production. (bta.bg) Eurovoix reported on May 18 that BNT Director General Milena Milotinova and Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev held an initial meeting on hosting preparations. Milotinova said BNT would rely on state institutions, while Miloshev said the Council of Ministers and BNT would work together on finance, venue, accompanying events and tourism infrastructure. (bta.bg) ### Which cities are in the race? BTA named Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna as the cities that have so far expressed interest in hosting Eurovision 2027. Eurovoix separately reported that Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev had confirmed the capital would bid, citing Arena Sofia’s capacity and the city’s experience with major events. (eurovoix.com) Eurovoix said Bulgaria has only two indoor arenas with capacity above 10,000 that clearly fit the European Broadcasting Union’s minimum venue threshold: Arena Sofia, with capacity up to 17,906, and Arena Burgas, with capacity up to 15,000 in a concert setting. The EBU criteria cited by Eurovoix also include eight weeks of venue availability, strong international connections, sufficient accommodation and an outline of organizational, security and sustainability capabilities. (bta.bg) ### How much is Bulgaria expecting to spend? BTA reported on May 21 that Hristov put the cost of hosting Eurovision 2027 at 20 million to 30 million euros. He said there would be a dedicated Eurovision budget line and that the event would not be entirely state-funded because support would also come from European Broadcasting Union participation and national sponsors. (eurovoix.com) Hristov also said increased interest in hotel bookings in Sofia for next year was already visible, according to BTA. He described the contest as an opportunity to promote Bulgaria internationally, though the final host city has not yet been chosen. ### Why is Sofia getting early attention? Milena Milotinova said at the Eurovision 2026 winners’ press conference, “Welcome to Sofia next year,” according to Eurovoix. (bta.bg) The remark was not a formal host-city decision, but it added to early expectations around the capital. Vassil Terziev said on Nova Television that Sofia would bid and argued that the economic effect would extend beyond immediate tourist spending. (bta.bg) His city’s case rests in part on Arena Sofia’s size and on the capital’s transport and accommodation base. ### What happens next in the selection process? BNT is expected to launch the first round for interested cities within the next two weeks, based on the timetable reported by Eurovoix and the process described by Hristov. (eurovoix.com) That stage will begin the formal comparison of city bids on venue readiness, financing, transport, security and related hosting plans. The next public milestones are likely to come from BNT, the Bulgarian government and the bidding cities themselves as they submit or outline their proposals. (eurovoix.com) Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna are the named participants so far. (bta.bg) (eurovoix.com)