Eurovision 2026 Boycott

Eurovision 2026 Boycott is a collective protest that emerged after Ireland Spain the Netherlands Slovenia Belgium and Iceland announced their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision on 4 December 2025 in Geneva to allow Israel to participate. The boycott decision was motivated by concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza restrictions on press freedom and debates regarding the contest’s principle of neutrality. These countries officially declared that they would not participate in Eurovision 2026 in response to the EBU’s decision.

European Broadcasting Union (EBU) headquarters building in Geneva 4 December 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Background

2023–2025 Period and Discussions on Israel’s Participation

Israel’s position in the Eurovision Song Contest became a subject of debate following the attacks in Gaza that began on 7 October 2023. Protests were held during the 2024 Malmö and 2025 Basel contests with various calls arguing that Israel’s participation violated the contest’s principle of neutrality during a time of war. Israel was represented at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest by Yuval Raphael who performed the song “New Day Will Rise” in the final held in Basel and placed highly in the public vote.

Criticism of the contest focused on allegations that Israel gained unfair advantages in the voting system and had previously conducted “politically motivated campaigns” in earlier years.

EBU’s Reform Agenda and Voting Rules

In November 2025 the EBU announced new reforms to the Eurovision voting system. These included limiting each viewer to a maximum of ten votes using a single payment method and reintroducing jury voting in the semi-finals. The EBU stated that these changes aimed to “strengthen trust and uphold neutrality.”

These reforms came into effect prior to the Geneva General Assembly in December 2025. During the meeting some countries argued that the reforms were insufficient and called for a special vote on Israel’s participation. This request was notably supported by Spain the Netherlands Slovenia and Ireland.

In September 2025 Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE decided that “Spain will withdraw if Israel participates”. Around the same time the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS made a similar statement.

Geneva General Assembly (4 December 2025)

Voting and Decision

The 95th General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) took place on 4 December 2025 in Geneva Switzerland. During the meeting members approved the reforms to the Eurovision Song Contest voting system but did not hold a separate vote on Israel’s participation. The EBU’s written statement indicated that the vast majority of members agreed that “all EBU members wishing to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest and accepting the new rules are entitled to take part.”

EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci stated regarding the voting outcome: “The result of this vote reflects our members’ shared commitment to preserving transparency and trust in the Eurovision Song Contest.”

A request for a secret vote on Israel’s participation was submitted by Slovenia Spain Montenegro the Netherlands Türkiye Algeria and Iceland but was rejected. Following the rejection several of these countries decided to withdraw.

The EBU’s official briefing noted that “an extensive discussion took place” during the meeting and that many members emphasized the importance of “independence of public service broadcasting” and “the protection of press freedom especially in conflict zones.” The assembly ultimately decided that the contest would proceed as planned and that countries should confirm their participation before Christmas. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN announced that it had already begun preparations for the 2026 contest prior to the vote. Following the meeting the broadcasters of Ireland Spain the Netherlands Slovenia Belgium and Iceland officially announced their withdrawal.

Boycott Announcements

Irish Broadcaster RTÉ

Following the EBU’s decision in Geneva to permit Israel’s participation Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ announced that it would not participate in or broadcast the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster stated: “Due to the horrific loss of life and the humanitarian crisis endangering countless civilians in Gaza Ireland’s participation would be morally unacceptable.”

RTÉ also expressed concern over the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and the obstruction of international journalists’ access to the region.

Spanish Broadcaster RTVE

Spain’s state television network RTVE confirmed its withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 in line with its September 2025 decision after Israel’s participation was approved. The broadcaster stated it would not broadcast the final on 16 May 2026 or the semi-finals on 12–14 May 2026.

RTVE President José Pablo López stated on the social media platform X: “The EBU Council has confirmed that Eurovision is not a song contest but a fragmented festival dominated by geopolitical interests.”

The Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, have stated their support for RTVE’s decision. Díaz said, “Culture must stand alongside peace and justice, not excuse the genocide in Gaza.”

Dutch Broadcasting Organization AVROTROS

The Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS has announced its withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing that participation would be incompatible with public values. The organization stated: “Under current conditions, participation does not align with the public values that are fundamental to us.”

AVROTROS further explained that the decision was made due to “the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza, restrictions on press freedom, and the political interventions witnessed in recent contests.”

Slovenian Broadcasting Organization RTV Slovenija

The Slovenian public broadcaster RTV Slovenija announced its withdrawal from the contest following the EBU’s decision. Chair of the Board Natalija Gorscak stated: “Last year we saw Israel’s performance as political. Our message is clear: if Israel is there, we are not. In the name of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza.”

Belgian Broadcasting Organization VRT

The Flemish public broadcaster in Belgium, VRT, has announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 but will continue to broadcast the contest. In its written statement, VRT affirmed: “We will continue to advocate for a clearer commitment to peace, human rights, and compassion within the EBU.”

Icelandic Broadcasting Organization RÚV

The Icelandic public broadcaster RÚV was among the countries that requested a secret ballot during the Geneva meeting. After the rejection of its proposal, RÚV announced it would not participate in Eurovision 2026. The RÚV board initially stated that Israel’s inclusion in the contest would prompt a reevaluation of Iceland’s participation; it later formally decided to withdraw.