Four Countries Pull Out Of Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation
The fallout from the European Broadcasting Union’s latest decision has hit Eurovision hard. After members agreed that Israel could still take part in the 2026 contest, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have all confirmed that they’re pulling out next year. Their announcements came within hours of the EBU’s general assembly, where members backed tougher voting rules but chose not to hold a separate vote on Israel.
The EBU said a "large majority" felt Eurovision 2026 should move ahead as planned with new safeguards, which are meant to prevent governments or outside groups from pushing coordinated voting campaigns. But for several broadcasters, those changes weren’t enough.
Ireland’s RTÉ repeated its stance that "participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk." Slovenia’s broadcaster echoed that view, saying the updated system "does not alter our view" and adding that as a public service outlet, it expected equal standards for all contestants. Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said "participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values that are essential to us".
Spain’s RTVE, which had been pushing for a ballot specifically on Israel’s place in the contest, said the decision only increased its "distrust of the festival's organisation", and confirmed it won’t air the final or the semi-finals. Spain is usually one of the “Big Five” nations that qualify directly for the final due to their significant financial contributions to the EBU, so its withdrawal carries extra weight.
Supporters of the EBU’s approach argued that the contest must stay above politics. Eurovision director Martin Green said members had a "full, frank and honest" debate before coming together on the idea that the show "must retain some sense of neutrality." Austria’s host broadcaster also backed the outcome, saying that the contest is for public broadcasters rather than for governments. Germany and several Nordic broadcasters have indicated that they will remain in the contest, although Iceland has delayed its final decision until next week.
Israel welcomed the decision. President Isaac Herzog called it "an appreciated gesture of solidarity, brotherhood, and co-operation" and said he hoped Eurovision would keep promoting "culture, poetry, and friendship between peoples and cross-border cultural understanding." KAN, Israel’s broadcaster, described attempts to exclude the country as a "cultural boycott", warning that "a boycott may begin today - with Israel - but no-one knows where it will end."
With the contest set for Vienna in 2026, what should have been a milestone 70th edition is instead shaping up to be one of Eurovision’s most divisive moments. For now, the EBU insists the event will go ahead – but the growing split among its members shows the debate is far from over.
