Kross-European Song Contest of 1988

This was the 62nd edition and was held in May 1988. Preparations began in April 1987 following Estonia's won at the 1987 contest. Kross Company collaborated again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios, the Norwegian and Estonian broadcasters and the newly formed Kross European Broadcasting Union (KEBU) would also partially fund the programme. Katelyn Ratz returned as executive producer with newly appointed Chloe Webber, aged 23, from the United Kingdom.

Belarus, the final European Soviet Socialist Republic, returned alongside Turkey, who had previously not stated it would return.

Hosting
Before Portugal won the 1986 contest, Norway had won a vote to set it as the host of the 1987 contest, as production began very early. However, when Portugal won, it had a lot of capacities to host the contest and because of production setbacks in Oslo, the venue was moved to Lisbon. Norway was given a free space in the final of 1987 for compensation. The final voting sheet is below:

Following Estonia's victory in 1987, the KEBU were worried that many venues in Estonia were not only too small, but in the propaganda-filled and privacy of the Soviet Union. Norway, being a nordic nation, was given the hosting rights.

The top 3 of the previous year automatically qualified to the final. (These are Estonia, the Netherlands and Sweden). The host, Norway, will also automatically qualify. 10 participants would qualify from each semi final, creating a final of 24 participants.

Other countries

 * Algeria.png Algeria had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Andorra.png Andorra had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Canada.png Canada continued to broadcast the programme but confirmed they would not return in 1988.
 * EastGermany.png East Germany stated that it would not rejoin the contest while West Germany participated. West Germany participates as just "Germany" in the show.
 * Egypt.png Egypt had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Lebanon.png Lebanon had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Libya.png Libya had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Liechtenstein.png Liechtenstein stated that they would love to return to the contest but the entry fee was now too much money. On the 9th March 1987, Liechtenstein stated that a return was impossible in 1988 but may be possible along with sponsorship in 1989, 1990 or beyond.
 * Morocco.png Morocco had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * SovietUnion.png Soviet Union announced on July 1st 1981 that it would allow soviet territories like Ukraine, Russia or Belarus to take part, but not the Union itself. On September 5th 1985, they reiterated this. As of the 1988 contest, nine inner Soviet Socialist Republics take part.