Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israel’s participation. The four broadcasters had urged the EBU to exclude Israel over the war in Gaza and allegations of organised voting campaigns that benefited Israel’s entrant in 2025.
Spanish broadcaster RTVE said it proposed a secret ballot during a meeting in Geneva. It said the refusal of that request reduced its confidence in the contest’s management. Ireland’s RTÉ said the loss of life in Gaza and the continuing humanitarian crisis made participation inappropriate. Slovenia’s RTV and the Netherlands’ Avrotros issued similar statements. All four broadcasters said they will not take part in or air the 2026 event.
Around 50 broadcasters attended the Geneva meeting. Members were asked to approve new rules to prevent governments and third parties from influencing voting outcomes. Approval of those rules was tied to an agreement not to proceed with a vote on Israel’s eligibility. The EBU said all broadcasters that accept the new rules will remain eligible for the 2026 contest.
Israel welcomed the decision. President Isaac Herzog described it as an act of solidarity and said Israel should appear on international platforms. Israel’s broadcaster KAN said attempts to remove Israel amounted to a cultural boycott.
Broadcasters from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland supported the new measures. They said the rules would address weaknesses in the voting system. Germany also welcomed the outcome and confirmed its participation.
