Public broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia announced their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday. The decision follows organizers' affirmation of Israel's participation in the event.
EBU Meeting and Decisions
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which comprises public broadcasters from 56 countries and oversees the annual event, held a general assembly to address concerns regarding Israel's involvement. During this meeting, EBU members voted to implement stricter contest voting rules. However, the EBU confirmed it would not exclude any broadcaster from the competition.
Context of Previous Contention
The contest has faced increased political discussions for the past two years due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. This period has included protests outside event venues and measures by organizers to restrict political displays. Dean Vuletic, author of 'Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest,' characterized the situation as 'one of the most serious crises that the organization has ever faced,' predicting a significant political boycott for the upcoming 70th anniversary contest in Vienna.
Statements from Broadcasters and Officials
The EBU acknowledged statements from RTVE (Spain), AVROTROS (the Netherlands), RTÉ (Ireland), and RTVSLO (Slovenia) confirming their non-participation. A final list of participating countries is expected by Christmas.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed satisfaction with Israel's continued involvement, stating his hope that the competition would 'champion culture, music, friendship between nations and cross-border cultural understanding.' Austria, the host nation for 2026, supported Israel's participation, as did Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
AVROTROS cited Israel's participation as 'no longer compatible with the responsibility we bear as a public broadcaster.' Spain's RTVE stated that 'Israel's use of the contest for political purposes' complicated maintaining it as a 'neutral cultural event.' RTÉ of Ireland referenced the 'appalling loss of lives in Gaza' and the humanitarian situation there as reasons for its decision.
Some withdrawing broadcasters also referenced the deaths of journalists in the Gaza conflict and Israel's policy regarding international journalists' access to the territory. Golan Yochpaz, CEO of Israeli broadcaster KAN, questioned whether EBU members would 'harm freedom of creation and freedom of expression.' KAN officials denied any involvement in attempts to influence previous contest results.
Background on the Conflict
The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel's government has presented its campaign as a response to this attack. The Gaza Health Ministry, operating under Hamas, reports over 70,000 fatalities in the territory since the conflict began. Some experts, including those associated with a U.N. body, have alleged that Israel's offensive in Gaza constitutes genocide, a claim Israel has denied.
Impact and Future
The withdrawals include significant contributors to the contest, such as Spain, one of the 'Big Five' countries providing substantial funding, and Ireland, which holds a record seven wins. The controversy also coincides with the planned return of Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania to the contest. Dean Vuletic projected the 2026 edition would be 'one of the most politicized ever,' despite being the event's 70th anniversary.