Eurovision 2026 is set to be another contentious one, despite the European Broadcasting Union’s attempts to calm the chaos.
Last week, news broke that Ireland and the Netherlands were threatening to withdraw from next year’s song contest, held in Vienna, Austria in May, if Israel is permitted to take part. A statement from Irish broadcaster RTÉ said the decision was made “given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”
On Friday, Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros concurred, adding: “Human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting.” Similar sentiments have come from Slovenia’s RTVSLO and Iceland’s RÚV, and calls have been made in neighboring countries — including from musician Phil Coulter in the U.K. — to follow suit.
Reports then emerged that Israel had been given a choice to either withdraw temporarily this year or compete under a neutral flag, which the EBU has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter to be false. “The EBU has not made any proposals to [Israeli broadcaster] Kan regarding participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest,” a spokesperson told THR. “The consultation with the wider EBU membership is ongoing and no decisions will be made until the process concludes.”
The group said that they “understand the concerns and deeply-held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” but that EBU members are still being consulted “to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The statement added about other countries sitting out: “Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each Member to decide if they want to take part in the Contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”
It comes after the 2025 edition of Europe’s most popular singing competition proved similarly divisive as widespread protests and boycotts surrounding Israel’s participation took place. Before the event, 72 former Eurovision contestants signed an open letter calling for Israel and Kan to be excluded, echoed by the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez and the contest’s 2025 winner, Austrian singer JJ. Israeli entrant Yuval Raphael finished in second place, though her performance was interrupted by protestors attempting to claim the stage.
It isn’t the first time the contest has had to brace itself for geopolitical fallout — Russia has been excluded since 2022 after invading Ukraine — but the unrest among members is proving to be catastrophic for organizers who have yet been unable to find a way through that keeps each country happy.
In previous years, Eurovision has been seen as a joyous celebration of the best of Europe’s over-the-top but gloriously kitschy music-lovers. The world’s largest live music contest has been a springboard to fame for some of the biggest acts in history, including legendary Swedish band ABBA or Italian glam rock band Måneskin.
