Last week an open letter signed by 140 artists called for a boycott of Eurovision 2019 in Israel. Needless to say, it has caused quite a stir. And today the first Eurovision national broadcaster has responded.

The reaction comes from Denmark’s DR, which has released a statement underlining that Denmark has no intention of pulling out of the 2019 edition of Eurovision despite the recent turmoil.

Head of Entertainment at DR Jan Lagermand Lundme said that the competition is about music and not political conflict and dispute and that Denmark will be participating no matter what.

“Eurovision is about uniting Europe and that’s why we are in it”, he told DR’s Grand Prix page. “We are in it no matter what country might be hosting”.

Jan Lagermand Lundme also mentioned the importance of remembering the core values that surround Eurovision “because the values that are inherent in this competition are that we gather around something that is non-political – music”.

DR may influence other broadcasters

DR’s statement could turn out to be more important than just explaining Denmark’s views. Jan Lagermand Lundme is part of the powerful and prestigious Eurovision Reference Group which is the executive committee acting on behalf of all national broadcasters in Eurovision and which oversees the running of the contest.

The fact that Jan Lagermand Lundme and DR have rejected the boycott and stressed the importance of the non-political aspects of the competition could maybe make other broadcasters follow in Denmark’s footsteps. Time will tell as we wait for the EBU and KAN to reach an agreement about which city should host next year’s competition.

What do you think about Denmark’s announcement? Should politics be allowed to influence Eurovision? Leave your comments in the box below. 

Read more Denmark Eurovision news here

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Pollaski
Pollaski
5 years ago

I’ll put it bluntly. If you want to boycott anything because its being held in Israel, you are anti-Western Civilization.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
5 years ago

Now we just need the UK to make a response and to confirm

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

It’d be odd if they didn’t. The BBC is supposed to be apolitical.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

Germany’s broadcaster also just condemned the boycott. Well done!

Raachel
Raachel
5 years ago

Good. I look forward to other countries rejecting the demands of those desperate, hypocritical, antisemitic has beens.

Brendan
Brendan
5 years ago

I think I’m in love with Denmark.

Conor K
Conor K
5 years ago

Thank you Denmark! I sometimes worry about them, especially after they no showed from 1967- 1978

Rene Lorin
Rene Lorin
5 years ago

Bravo Denmark!!! Can’t wait for the Eurovision in Israel!! Spread the LOVE!

Bijou
Bijou
5 years ago

Knew there was a reason why I like Denmark so much. See you in 2019 fam!

Dame Tu Conchita
Dame Tu Conchita
5 years ago

Denmark knows what’s up. This is no brainer tbh and I am glad Denmark is totally aware of it.

JohnD
JohnD
5 years ago

The faith of any country with intend to boycott Israel – should simply learn from Argentina’s experience in the last World cup (after they cancelled their match in Israel prior to the competition)… 🙂 Really a bad idea…

Rose
Rose
5 years ago

Good for them. That might knock some sense into some people’s heads.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Whew we love a SENSIBLE country

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
5 years ago

Good news 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what Denmark’s going to give us this year!

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

Way to take the higher ground, Denmark! I don’t think we’ll be seeing too many (if any) boycotts: many countries have already confirmed and/or started their selection processes, and the ones that haven’t said anything yet probably won’t back out unless it’s due to poor results or something.
More than anything, given how buddy-buddy they are with Denmark (and how the rest of the Nordic squad has confirmed participation), I think it’s the nail in the coffin for Iceland boycotting.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

Kind of playing it fast and loose with the word artist if you consider all those people signing the petition to be artists.

Also, as a general rule: Anyone who did not boycott Baku and their blood money has no business boycotting whatever Israeli city KAN, the EBU and our pal Benji choose. I am rather indifferent to Israel as a country but I detest hypocrisy. Of course, nobody who has any power has considered a boycott so far anyway.