Kross-European Song Contest of 1986

This was the 60th edition and was held in May 1986. Preparations began in July 1985. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios, and the Yugoslav broadcaster. The newly formed Kross European Broadcasting Union (KEBU) would also partially fund the programme. Katelyn Ratz took an one-year break. Santiago Gomes would fill in as executive producer with Alexander Bjorkman continuing as assistant from 1985.

Azerbaijan SSR debuted following Armenia's debut the previous year.

Following the Yugoslav victory, the Yugoslav delegation decided to host in Zagreb, as their winning entry was sung in Croatian. The top three of the previous year, Yugoslavia, Lithuania and Finland, would automatically qualify. The cut-off date for songs was the 20th March 1986.

Songs
The list is ordered by the date of selection in the previous year. Azerbaijan didn't participate in the previous year so is at the end.

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 1985.
 * 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.
 * Estonia.png Estonia SSR stated on 1st July 1985 that a return to the 1986 was considered but not accepted. They will host a delegation meeting on 23rd April 1986 to discuss participation in the 1987 contest.
 * Georgia.png Georgia SSR had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * Latvia.png Latvia SSR 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 expressed interest in appearing at the 1986 contest. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * 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 3rd 1984, they reiterated this.
 * Turkey.png Turkey had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.