As tensions around Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 continue to escalate, several European broadcasters have confirmed they will boycott the contest regardless of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Broadcasters confirm their position
According to Sky News, RTV Slovenia, RTVE (Spain), RTÉ (Ireland), RÚV (Iceland), and AVROTROS (the Netherlands) have all reaffirmed they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part.
“We can lie to ourselves and say ‘no, it’s not political’, but you can’t avoid politics”
Said Natalija Gorscak, Director General of RTV Slovenia, adding:
“European policy needs more balls. In certain moments, somebody needs to say ‘this is enough’.”
EBU to hold emergency vote in November
In response to the growing number of boycott threats, the EBU will convene an extraordinary General Assembly in early November to vote on Israel’s status.
EBU President Delphine Ernotte-Cunci said the decision “merited a broader democratic basis,” marking the first time the organisation has called such a vote on a participating country.
Divisions widen across Europe
The Sky News report highlights the growing divide among public broadcasters. While smaller countries such as Slovenia, Ireland, and Iceland have taken a firm stance, others (notably Germany and even the Eurovision 2026 host, Austria) have expressed support for Israel’s inclusion. In fact, earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described discussions over Israel’s exclusion as “a scandal,” warning that Germany might withdraw if Israel were banned.
Eurovision expert Dr Paul Jordan told Sky News that multiple withdrawals could reshape next year’s contest entirely:
“If there isn’t a need for two semi-finals, that will impact logistics and even funding.”
What we know so far
Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain and likely Norway are the countries withdrawing if Israel competes, while countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, and Denmark have all signalled support for Israel’s participation or stated they will not vote to exclude it from the contest.
The EBU’s emergency vote is expected in early November, and broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm participation.
The Eurovision 2026 journey
The journey to the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest kicked off immediately following JJ’s win in Basel, when Austria’s ORF accepted the rights to host the 70th edition of the contest. The bidding process started in June, with interested cities having until July 4 to submit their bid book. Innsbruck and Vienna were shortlisted, with the latter winning the right to host next year’s contest.
As for the organisation of the competition, the ‘core team‘ was revealed in June 2025, with further details about next year’s competition to be revealed in due course. The shows will take place on May 12th, 14th and 16th.
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News Source: Sky News
Photo credits: Sarah Louise Bennett (Ireland, Slovenia), Alma Bengtsson (Netherlands, Iceland), Corinne Cumming (Spain) / EBU. Collage: That Eurovision Site.
Thomas James