The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) held no vote on excluding Israel, securing its participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands subsequently announced their boycotts. The decision heightens tensions stemming from Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
At a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva on Thursday, no vote was called on Israel's controversial participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna. The EBU announced this in a statement that evening, clearing the path for Israel's involvement.
Spain, a Big Five member and staunch critic of Israel, immediately announced its boycott. Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands followed suit. The reason is Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack in October 2023, which has sparked debates in many countries about Israel's ESC participation. Nations like Belgium, Sweden, and Finland are also considering boycotts.
Ireland holds the record with seven ESC wins. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed delight on X: »that the competition continues to promote culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding.«
In Germany, the federal government firmly supports Israel. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer told Reuters: »Should the EBU decide that Israel cannot participate, Germany should forgo participation. There can be no ESC without Israel.« Chancellor Friedrich Merz called discussions of exclusion a scandal, stating: »Israel belongs.« The ARD welcomed the EBU's decision on measures for transparency, neutrality, and fairness but did not comment explicitly on Israel's participation.
The boycotts threaten the unity of the storied contest, long seen as a celebration of nations through music.