Eurovision controversy: Is a decision on Israel's involvement in the 2026 song contest imminent?

The Eurovision Song Contest is confronting a major decision as organizers convene this week to discuss Israel's eligibility for the 2026 competition. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which represents 56 public broadcasters, is holding a general assembly to address growing calls from several countries to bar Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and alleged manipulation of voting results in previous contests.

Protests have targeted the 2024 and 2025 Eurovision events in Basel and Malm, citing opposition to Israels actions in Gaza. Critics argue that Israel may have influenced the outcome of this years competition through promotional campaigns that encouraged voting across Europe.

It remains uncertain whether a formal vote will take place during the assembly. If consensus is not reached at EBU headquarters in Geneva, individual broadcasters or groups of countries may decide independently whether to participate in 2026.

Eurovision is supposed to unite through music, but politics are creating divisions, said Eurovision scholar Paul Jordan. He described the current situation as a pivotal moment for the contest.

Several nations, including Iceland, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have threatened to boycott the 2026 contest if Israel participates. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS cited violations of press freedom and alleged interference by Israel in the previous contest. Spain's public broadcaster RTVE has confirmed its intention to withdraw if Israel is allowed to compete, with its president condemning Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.

Belgium, Finland, and Sweden have also considered a boycott, while Germany has signaled it would withdraw only if Israel were excluded. Member broadcasters must finalize participation decisions by mid-December, with the full list of contestants expected by Christmas.

Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic noted that any boycott by EU countries would be unprecedented, marking the largest in the contests history. In response to past controversies, the EBU recently updated its voting rules to increase transparency and limit government-backed promotion campaigns.

Austrias ORF, the host broadcaster for 2026, expressed hope that a resolution can be found to allow broad participation. The 70th Eurovision edition will take place in Vienna, with semi-finals scheduled for 12 and 14 May and the grand finale on 16 May 2026.

Author: Grace Ellison