Eurovision 2026, the 70th anniversary of the world's largest live music event, is overshadowed by boycotts and political tensions as Vienna prepares to host. Five nations—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland—have withdrawn from the contest over Israel's inclusion, marking an unprecedented boycott in the event's history.
The boycotted countries include some of Eurovision's biggest financial contributors and most successful participants. Spain and the Netherlands are traditionally the fifth and sixth largest financial backers, while Ireland is a joint record-holder for most wins. The absence of these nations could have long-term financial implications for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest.
Cultural historian Irving Wolther noted that financing Eurovision will become increasingly difficult as public broadcasting faces cuts across Europe. The political rows, he said, do not help. The 2025 grand final in Basel attracted a record 166 million viewers, but this year's figures are expected to drop due to media blackouts in boycotting countries.
In Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain, the final will not be broadcast. Spanish broadcaster RTVE will air its own musical special, while Irish viewers will see the animated film Mummies and Slovenian audiences a series on Palestine. The Netherlands and Iceland will show the event but without submitting contestants. Returning nations Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova are unlikely to boost ratings significantly.
The political row has divided fan communities. Eurovision Hub, a fan site, has stopped covering the contest, stating it no longer aligns with its current state. Historian Paul Jordan described the buildup as an anticlimax, noting that friendships forged through Eurovision have been torn apart. "Eurovision is meant to be joyous. But this year it feels a little bit sad," he said.
The five nations announced their boycott in December 2024 after Israel was cleared to compete without a vote from participating broadcasters. Critics accuse the EBU of double standards, as Russia was barred after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the EBU has announced an expansion into Asia, with the inaugural Eurovision Asia in Bangkok on 14 November 2025. In Vienna, protests are expected, with a rally of about 3,000 people marking Palestinian Nakba Day on Friday.
