This forthcoming August in Edinburgh, 18 participating countries will take to the stage – including one debut, one withdrawal and multiple returnees. The most participating nations since 2006.

Albania will be making their debut at Eurovision Young Musicians this year. After the United Kingdom (the Host City) and Spain have already announced their returns, more have followed. Belgium (last participated in 2006), Estonia (2004), Greece (2014), Israel (1986) and Russia (2010) are all returning. However, for the first time since their debut in 1982, Austria will not be taking part in the contest.

Only six participating nations will make the Final in this year’s contest after the reintroduction of the Semi Finals. The participating nations are:

• Albania
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Israel
• Malta
• Norway
• Poland
• Russia
• San Marino
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix/EBU