Green Balkans Association proposes bearded vulture as symbol of Eurovision 2027

The bearded vulture could become Bulgaria’s symbol for the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Burgas next year, the Green Balkans association has proposed. The idea is linked to conservation efforts to restore the species, as well as to the story of Boev, a bearded vulture that left Bulgaria, flew across Europe and, after covering more than 14,000 kilometres, returned home.

According to the organisation, the bird could serve as a distinctive symbol of Bulgaria because it embodies messages of freedom, courage, travel, homecoming and hope. Its outstretched wings evoke the aspiration to reach new horizons, while the species’ history in Bulgaria represents restoration and a second chance.

The bearded vulture has disappeared as a breeding species in Bulgaria, and its return is among the conservation goals pursued by organisations and institutions. Green Balkans points out that people and organisations from more than ten European countries are involved in these efforts, making the cause an example of international cooperation as well.

Making the bearded vulture a symbol of Eurovision could also have a positive conservation impact by raising public awareness of the species and efforts to restore its population in Bulgaria.

EUR 20 million allocated for Eurovision 2027 preparations

Edited by Diana Tsankova