Iceland Becomes Fifth Country To Withdraw From Eurovision 2026
Iceland has officially pulled out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the fifth country to withdraw after Israel’s participation was confirmed. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced their exits earlier in the week, turning what was meant to be Eurovision’s 70th anniversary celebration into one of its most politically fraught moments.
RÚV, Iceland’s national broadcaster, said the decision followed intense public pressure. Director-general Stefan Eiriksson explained that “there is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is.” RÚV added that Israel’s involvement had “created disunity” among EBU members and audiences.
The dispute escalated after the EBU rejected a request—reportedly from multiple countries including Iceland—to hold a vote on excluding Israel. Instead, the organisation approved new rules aimed at safeguarding neutrality and preventing government influence over voting. While several broadcasters said the changes were helpful, they also argued they didn’t go far enough.
Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all announced their boycotts soon after the EBU decision. Ireland’s broadcaster said “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and humanitarian crisis,” while Slovenia’s broadcaster said its decision was “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died.” Many had also raised concerns about allegations that Israel intervened in the voting process during the most recent contest.
KAN, Israel’s public broadcaster, has criticised attempts to remove it. Chief executive Golan Yochpaz said such efforts could “only be understood as a cultural boycott,” warning that “a boycott may begin today with Israel, but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm.”
Meanwhile, other countries are still participating in the contest. Poland confirmed its participation, saying Eurovision still has the chance to be “a space filled with music – and only music.” Austria, next year’s host, has also supported Israel’s inclusion, with ORF’s director-general noting the contest is “a competition for broadcasters, not governments.”
The EBU says it expects around 35 nations to compete in Vienna next May. Eurovision director Martin Green responded to the withdrawals by saying, “We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate… and hope to welcome them back soon.”
