Spain, Eire, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have all withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Tune Contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined to carry a vote on Israel’s participation within the competitors throughout its normal meeting assembly at this time (Thursday, December 4). The Eurovision organizer had postponed an earlier planned vote after Israel and the Palestinian political group Hamas signed a ceasefire settlement in October.
A statement from the EBU reads, partially, “A big majority of Members agreed that there was no want for an extra vote on participation and that the Eurovision Tune Contest 2026 ought to proceed as deliberate, with the extra safeguards in place.” Collaborating broadcasters solely voted to undertake guidelines that might stop governments and third events from selling songs.
Irish public broadcaster RTÉ was the primary to announce it was pulling out of Eurovision, writing in a statement that “Eire’s participation stays unconscionable given the appalling lack of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian disaster there.” Spanish nationwide broadcasting community RTVE, the Netherlands’ Avotros, and Slovenia’s RTVSLO all adopted swimsuit. Collectively, the 4 international locations characterize a complete of 14 Eurovision victories, with Eire holding the document—tied with Sweden—for many wins by a rustic with seven.
In October, German chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened to boycott Eurovision if Israel had been to be excluded from the competitors. “I believe it’s a scandal that that is even being mentioned. Israel has a spot there,” he advised the nation’s public broadcaster, ARD, in an interview. Austria’s host community, ORF, has additionally supported Israel’s participation. Austrian singer JJ gained Eurovision earlier this yr.
The seventieth Eurovision Tune Contest can be held in Vienna, Austria in Could 2026. Israel has gained the competitors 4 occasions, most just lately in 2018 for Netta’s “Toy.” The nation was required to change the lyrics to its 2024 entry music, “October Rain,” after dealing with strong opposition from European artists and politicians. Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine.
