<P> The EBU announced on 7 November 2017 that forty - two countries would participate in the contest . Russia confirmed their return after withdrawing from the previous edition , while Macedonia 's participation was provisionally blocked by the EBU due to unpaid debts by its national broadcaster . However , ten days later , the EBU announced that Macedonia would be allowed to enter the contest , raising the number of participating countries to forty - three , equaling the highest number of participants with the 2008 and 2011 editions . </P>
<P> The EBU announced on 7 November 2017 that forty - two countries would participate in the contest . Russia confirmed their return after withdrawing from the previous edition , while Macedonia 's participation was provisionally blocked by the EBU due to unpaid debts by its national broadcaster . However , ten days later , the EBU announced that Macedonia would be allowed to enter the contest , raising the number of participating countries to forty - three , equaling the highest number of participants with the 2008 and 2011 editions . </P>
how many countries are taking part in eurovision 2018
how many countries are taking part in eurovision 2018
forty - two
forty - two