Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have declared they will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following the decision to allow Israel to compete. Their announcement came shortly after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that no vote would be held on Israel’s exclusion, despite pressure from several member states.
Critics of Israel’s participation cite its ongoing military campaign in Gaza — which has resulted in more than 70,125 deaths — and accusations of improper interference in last year’s contest to benefit its entry. In its statement, the EBU said members expressed “clear support for reforms to reinforce trust and protect [the] neutrality” of Eurovision.
Planned changes include reinstating an expanded professional jury for the semifinals to prevent undue influence by governments or outside actors. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said that participation under current circumstances “cannot be reconciled with the public values” of its organisation. Further says that Israel’s “proven interference” in the 2025 contest and highlighted its “serious violation of press freedom” during the Gaza war.
Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ also confirmed withdrawal, citing “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis”. Slovenia’s broadcaster similarly said its decision was made “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza”.
Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE announced it will also sit out the 2026 edition in Vienna. Secretary-General Alfonso Morales said the situation in Gaza, despite recent ceasefire developments, and the “use of the contest for political goals by Israel” made it difficult to preserve Eurovision’s neutrality.
Other countries took an opposing view. Ahead of the EBU decision, Germany stated it would withdraw only if Israel were barred. “Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest,” said German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer. Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the EBU’s ruling, saying that Israel, which claims to face a global smear campaign, “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”.
