Eurovision Boycott Announced by Four Nations

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have declared their withdrawal from the upcoming 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, attributing this decision to the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) choice to allow Israel to compete.

This boycott was confirmed on Thursday evening and follows ongoing pressure from several European countries urging the EBU to exclude Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, which holds associate membership in the organization.

During a recent tense meeting among reference group members, a coalition of broadcasters formally requested a secret ballot to consider Israel’s exclusion. However, the proposal did not secure the necessary majority, leading most members to approve new “safeguards” aimed at limiting political messaging in the contest.

Shortly after this decision, the four dissenting nations issued coordinated statements announcing their exits from the competition, which is set to take place in May 2026 in Vienna following Austria’s win.

RTÉ of Ireland stated that it would neither participate nor broadcast the 2026 event, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the loss of lives there as factors that made participation unconscionable.

RTVE from Spain expressed that the situation in Gaza and Israel’s alleged use of the contest for political ends made it “increasingly difficult” to view Eurovision as a neutral cultural event. Consequently, Spain will abstain from both the semi-finals and finals.

RTV SLO of Slovenia highlighted its dedication to “peace, respect, and equality among nations,” stating that the decision was made in honor of “the 20,000 children who died in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, NPO representing the Netherlands confirmed its withdrawal but intends to continue broadcasting the event for Dutch audiences.

Reports suggest that Iceland might consider a similar boycott, while other significant participants, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and host nation Austria, have reaffirmed their commitment to the contest.

The EBU emphasized that all active members complying with the rules are eligible to participate and described the newly adopted measures as an effort to maintain the non-political nature of the event.

This coordinated withdrawal marks one of the largest absences in Eurovision’s history, coinciding with the ongoing conflict that escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

As it stands, the 2026 contest may proceed with fewer than 40 participating countries, a notable reduction not seen in over ten years.