Norway’s national broadcaster, NRK, has said that it will “likely withdraw” from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to take part.
NRK concerned for staff safety
In recent weeks, NRK’s Director-General spoke with the media to express their concerns over the potential for an incident during next year’s Contest. They added that the EBU asked broadcasters to establish a “concrete position on whether the Israeli broadcaster’s participation in Eurovision damages the competition’s reputation” ahead of the vote on whether to expel Israel next year.
However, just days after the Director-General made the statements in the media, sources from within NRK confirmed to The Euro Trip Podcast that NRK would likely withdraw should Israel be allowed to take part. No further detail or public confirmation has been given from NRK itself.
NRK was one of the first countries to signal for a clear breakdown in the televoting results from Basel in May. The broadcaster added that it is increasingly worried for its staff and artists at the Contest itself. As a result, NRK has demanded that the EBU “create a safe environment for artists” during the two weeks of the show.
Norway’s Eurovision journey
The Scandinavian nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, with Nora Brockstedt and the song “Voi Voi”, which placed 4th. Since their debut, they have participated 62 times, and made the Grand Final 59 of these. In addition, Norway has won the competition three times – in 1985, 1995, and 2009.
Norway’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Kyle Alessandro with the song “Lighter”. After qualifying for the final, Norway placed 18th in the Grand Final, receiving 89 points, 22 of which from the jury and 67 from televoters.
What do you make of NRK’s move to withdraw? Do you think Norway will end up withdrawing? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: The Euro Trip Podcast
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Euan T