Who DIDN'T take part and why?

Bosnia-Herzegovina
Must skip this year's contest, due to a too low average score.

Greece
Had to skip the contest last year, due to a too low average score. Was entitled to pariticipate this year, but declined.

Hungary
Had to skip the contest last year, due to a too low average score. Was entitled to pariticipate this year, but declined.

Italy
Took part last time in 1997 and would be guaranteed participation every year, if the national broadcaster RAI were genuinely interested in taking part.

Lithuania
Must skip this year's contest, due to a too low average score.

Luxembourg
Left the EBU in 1993 and is not entitled to participate any more.

Monaco
Took part 1959-79, but has not shown any interest since.

Morocco
Took part in 1980, but has not shown any interest since.

Poland
Must skip this year's contest, due to a too low average score.

Portugal
Must skip this year's contest, due to a too low average score.

Serbia and Montenegro (Yugoslavia)
When the TV-association JRT (Jugoslovenska Radiotelelvizija) was dissolved at the same time as the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, the broadcasters of the different republics had to apply for new EBU membership. This was never done by the TV-companies in Belgrade and Podgorica and therefore they are no longer entitled to participate in the ESC.

Slovakia
Had to skip the contest last year, due to a too low average score. Was entitled to pariticipate this year, but declined.

Slovenia
Must skip this year's contest, due to a too low average score.

Tunisia
Should have taken part in 1977, but withdrew after the drawing of lots for the running order.

Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, San Marino, Syria, Vatican State, Ukraine
All are "active members" of the EBU and are entitled to participate in the contest but have chosen not to.