Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have announced they will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after Israel was cleared to compete. The decision follows a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Thursday, where no vote was held on Israel's participation despite calls from several broadcasters for its exclusion over the war in Gaza.
The EBU stated that a large majority of members agreed there was no need for a vote on participation, and the 2026 contest would proceed as planned with additional safeguards. These new rules aim to prevent governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. The proposed changes were seen as a concession to critics but were deemed insufficient by the boycotting nations.
Ireland's RTÉ said participation was 'unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza'. Spain's RTVE expressed distrust in the organisation, citing 'political pressure'. The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said participation could not be reconciled with its public values, while Slovenia's RTVSLO cited conflicts with its values of peace and equality.
In contrast, the BBC confirmed it would broadcast the contest, supporting the EBU's collective decision. Germany's SWR also said it would participate. Broadcasters from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland voted in favour of the rule changes and will continue to support the contest. Iceland's RÚV, which had threatened a boycott, said it would consider its position at a board meeting next week.
Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed the decision, stating that Israel 'deserves to be represented on every stage around the world'. The 2026 Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria.
