Sweden’s public broadcaster SVT has clarified its position on Eurovision 2026 amid growing boycott threats from other countries.
“SVT does not take political positions”
In a statement to SVT’s Kulturnyheterna, Director General Anne Lagercrantz said that while the broadcaster is following the debate closely, it will not link Sweden’s participation to Israel’s status.
“SVT is independent – that is one of our core principles. We do not take political positions. Our decisions about ESC should not be interpreted as a stance for or against any other broadcaster or country.”
Conditions for participation
Lagercrantz outlined three basic requirements for Sweden’s involvement in Eurovision:
- Broad European support for the contest
- Guaranteed safety for participants and audiences
- That the competition remains, as far as possible, apolitical in line with EBU rules
She confirmed that SVT’s participation is conditional on these principles being met:
“SVT’s participation is conditional on these basic requirements being in place. We will take time to listen to the EBU and other members.”
A different case than Russia
SVT also addressed comparisons with its stance on Russia in 2022, when then-Director General Hanna Stjärne called on the EBU to exclude Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Lagercrantz stressed that the situation is different:
“Russian public service broadcasters are part of the state and of Putin’s propaganda machine. They are not independent. That was why it was easier to take a position then.”
Sweden’s Eurovision journey
In 1958, Sweden made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest, with Alice Babs representing them with the song “Lilla stjärna” which placed fourth. Since their debut, the Scandinavian nation has managed to win seven times (1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2023).
In 2025, Sweden were represented by Finnish group KAJ, singing “Bara bada bastu”. At the close of voting in the grand final, they had received 321 points, finishing in 4th place. 126 points were received by the juries, while the trio received 195 points by televoters.
Do you think SVT is right to separate Eurovision participation from politics? Who would you like to see represent Sweden next year? 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: SVT
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Euan T