Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo has returned the 2024 trophy to protest Israel's participation in the 2026 contest. The European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel contradicts the event's values, according to Nemo. Several countries have already withdrawn their participation.
Nemo, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 for Switzerland with the song 'The Code,' announced in an Instagram video that he is returning the winner's trophy. The reason: The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed all interested countries to participate in the 2026 contest in Vienna last week, including Israel. Nemo criticized this as contradicting the ESC's values of unity and dignity.
'I am infinitely grateful to the community around the contest and everything this experience has taught me,' Nemo stated. 'But today I feel that this trophy no longer belongs on my shelf.' The artist pointed out that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip have been classified as possible genocide by a UN investigation commission. The contest is often used to polish state images, Nemo added. 'If participants withdraw because of this, it should be clear that something is fundamentally wrong.'
In conclusion, Nemo urged the consistent implementation of ESC values: 'I am waiting for the moment when words and actions align – until then, this trophy belongs to you.'
The controversy has led to boycotts: Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have withdrawn from the 2026 ESC. Belgium, Sweden, and Finland are also considering pulling out. The EBU decision emphasizes the contest's neutrality but faces growing criticism.
