Maximum 45 countries at Eurovision Song Contest 2008

belgovision.com reports:

Maximum 45 countries will be allowed to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in Belgrade. That means that no more than 20 countries will compete in each of the two semifinals.

Five countries are directly qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008: host country Serbia and the Big Four countries Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Since the maximum number of countries allowed to take part in next year's festival is 45, maximum 40 countries will be allowed to compete in the heats, consisting of two semifinals.

Until 15th November, all interested broadcasters can subscribe for participation. Until 14th December tey can withdraw without any cost. At the end of 2007, the participant list for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 can be expected.