In a bold statement, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have declared they will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to the decision permitting Israel to participate. These countries previously demanded Israel's exclusion in light of ongoing conflicts and alleged unfair voting practices.
A meeting in Geneva determined that a 'large majority' of members agreed Eurovision could proceed as planned, dismissing calls for a vote on Israel's participation.
Spain's RTVE network expressed heightened distrust towards the organization of the contest, stating: Our decision reflects a deep distrust toward the festival's organization after the recent developments.
Similarly, Ireland's RTÉ communicated their position, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a key factor for their withdrawal.
Broadcasters from the boycotting countries emphasized that participation under the current situation contradicts the essential public values they uphold.
This division within the Eurovision community highlights the challenges the contest faces in maintaining its apolitical stance. While supporters of Israel's participation praised the decision as beneficial for cultural representation, critics argue it undermines the core humanitarian principles that Eurovision stands for.
