Several nations have confirmed they will skip the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in mid-May after the European Broadcasting Union upheld Israel's eligibility despite the Gaza conflict.
The EBU's December 2025 decision to allow Israel to compete, following a vote on updated neutrality rules, has now triggered concrete boycotts. The contest is scheduled for Vienna. Organizers have drawn criticism for applying different standards than the 2022 exclusion of Russia. The move comes after member broadcasters including the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia announced withdrawals, while others such as Sweden and Norway intend to participate.
