denIt’s been quite the week for Eurovision organisers, as the turmoil surrounding Israel’s presence at the contest boiled over once again.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is currently consulting with broadcasters on this issue, with a decision on whether Israel will compete next year or not expected by the General Assembly meeting in December.
Several countries have now spoken out early and publicly revealed their stance. Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands have officially confirmed they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Officials in Iceland and Spain have suggested they could likely follow suit.
The broadcasters from these nations have stated that participation alongside Israel would be “unconscionable” given: the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza, where more than 64,800 people have died as a result of Israeli attacks since October 2023; the targeted killing of journalists and deliberate exclusion of independent international reporting in the region; proven interference by the Israeli government during Eurovision 2025.
Following the statements from the aforementioned countries, broadcasters of other nations have since been asked their viewpoint on the matter.
Below is a roundup of their responses so far.
Eurovision 2026: Statements on possible withdrawal
Belgium: VRT supports withdrawal, RTBF to decide in December
Belgium is represented by two broadcasters at Eurovision, with VRT and RTBF taking turns each year to field a representative.
In a press release, Flemish broadcaster VRT stated that it backed calls for withdrawal over Israel’s involvement and would reserve the right to not broadcast the contest if necessary:
“VRT shares and supports the position of the countries that have withdrawn from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.”
However, it is French-language broadcaster RTBF that is in charge of Belgium’s participation at Eurovision 2026. Spokesperson Axelle Pollet told Belga news agency that RTBF would make a final decision in December once it is known whether Israel will be involved:
“RTBF is continuing its preparations for the next competition, including the work of selecting candidates. This is a long-term project that cannot be improvised. As for our decision on whether or not to participate in the 2026 edition, it will be made based on the decisions taken by the EBU at its general meeting in December.”
San Marino: Will be in Vienna
In a post on Instagram, SMRTV made a clear statement that it plans to appear in Vienna for the 70th anniversary of Eurovision:
“San Marino will not boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates.”
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Norway: Currently plans to participate
As of now, Norway has indicated it intends to participate at Eurovision 2026.
But NRK’s content editor, Charlo Halvorsen, said the broadcaster was still in dialogue with the EBU regarding next year’s event:
“NRK is actively participating in this process, where the EBU will conduct a thorough review with all member countries at the beginning of December. NRK currently stands by its decision to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. We have confidence in the process and await the EBU’s conclusion in December.”
Sweden: No comment
Although SVT is forging ahead with organising Melodifestivalen 2026, its Eurovision national selection, the broadcaster has stated they “do not want to get ahead of events” and will continue following the review process initiated by the EBU.
Hanna Dowling, head of communications at SVT, says they do no want to comment on Sweden’s participation at the moment:
“We are primarily in dialogue with the EBU and will respond later.”
Finland: Decision by December, UMK to happen regardless
Yle’s independent news team interviewed Johanna Törn-Mangs, the broadcaster’s editor-in-chief of Culture and Affairs, about Finland’s participation at Eurovision 2026.
Törn-Mangs noted they have not made their final decision yet, but would do so by December:
“We are not going to take a position on the statements of other countries, but I would like to say that we understand very well the concerns related to the situation in Gaza. We hope from the bottom of our hearts that those suffering in the region will receive help and that the military operations will end. Of course, we are following the discussion around the topic, but at Yle, we always make our own decisions.
“We haven’t had a big or final discussion yet. The final decision will be made in December at the latest.”
Regardless of whether Finland participates in Vienna or not, the country’s selection show, UMK, will still go ahead as a celebration of Finnish music:
“UMK will be held anyway. UMK is an independent competition and one of Yle’s most important cultural productions. In recent years, it has brought new artists and music to the attention of Finns. At the moment, Yle is fully focused on UMK. It is a strong domestic event and competition. What happens after that will be discussed later.”
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Denmark: Monitoring the situation
Like its Nordic neighbours, Danish broadcaster DR is still monitoring the situation at present and has yet to make an official decision.
Following a request to comment, senior editor of Culture, Debate and Music at DR, Gustav Lützhøft, stated:
“It must be up to the individual country to decide what is right for them. DR is following the situation closely and is discussing it continuously with the other Nordic public service media.”
Poland: No decision made yet
Polish Tabloid Pudelek contacted national broadcaster TVP for comment on their current position for 2026. They responded by saying that a decision regarding Poland’s participation in next year’s competition has not yet been made:
“Telewizja Polska is closely following the discussion surrounding next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. As a member of the European Broadcasting Union, we remain in dialogue with the organisers and will respect all EBU decisions, trusting that they will reflect Eurovision’s core values, such as unity, diversity, and tolerance.”
*Update* UK: Working with the EBU
Speaking on Monday in front of the UK parliament’s public accounts committee, BBC director general Tim Davie said he was working with Eurovision organisers as they undertake their assessment of the situation:
“We’re very aware of the concerns. It’s obviously a well-debated topic and difficult. At this stage we are supportive of the European Broadcast Union’s work. They are going around discussing with members, working through all the processes by which they would be satisfied to make a decision one way or the other.”
Davie added that he was keen to retain the joyous nature of Eurovision and that the contest has never been about politics:
“It’s really important… that we try to preserve the celebratory element of the contest. But at this stage, I’m supporting the European Broadcasting Union’s work, and they need to get on with it.
“Eurovision has never been about politics, it should be a celebration of music and culture that brings people together. We need to see what the broadcast union decides.”
EBU: We will respect the decisions of broadcasters
Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Green, issued the following statement surrounding the potential withdrawals:
“We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. We are still consulting all EBU members to gather views on how we manage participation and geopolitical tensions around the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Broadcasters have until mid-December to confirm if they wish to take part in next year’s event in Vienna. It is up to each member to decide if they want to take part in the contest and we would respect any decision broadcasters make.”
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All countries and contestants should drop out if they care a bit about human rights. Free Palestine!
Some people are able to distinguish between human rights and a music competition
We need to get to that critical stage of 10 to 15 withdrawals, otherwise these monsters might be on stage next year in Vienna …
I will watch ESC regardless of what happens. As a Californian I do hope Israel gets to participate. I discovered Noa Kirel from Eurovision which she is now my favorite Israeli singer. I watch for the musical performances of each participant. I do my best to ignore all politics from this Song Contest or should it be called PSC now. Politics Song Contest.
As a Californian, one would have hoped for another reaction … my gosh even that place is lost in a country en route to semi-democracy. Not sure if you noticed but the country you mention is the ONLY one that made it political this year … it was a disgrace … me and my friends we went crazy when Austria won in the end … could one imagine having this contest in that hellhole ??
As a Californian, are you looking forward to Intervision 2025?
Of course the USA is a colonial settler project just like Australia.
……And I disliked Unicorn with a vengeance back in 2023. I never understood the fan hype.
Back in the 80’s I almost always really enjoyed the Israeli entries. But in the new millennium not so much.
Spain just announced their withdrawal if Israel takes part. A Top 5 country: EBU needs to do something quite soon.
They should do something! Say bye bye to Spain et al.
Why all the broadcasters unite and make this season their own contest ? Im sure spain will be happy to organise it ! Lets call it “the eurosong contest” and let israel and those who dont care take part in the ESC
Simply !!!
As long as UMK is taking place i dont care about ESc ?? its better than this circus
There’s also Intervision in just a few days for you to enjoy.
Funny how Europeans are affraid of Israel participating! We will not only be in Vienna but we win! Jerusalem 2027, see you soon in Israel! By the way, you are all welcome and we will be happy to host all
of you, our hearts are big enough to embrace you all!we don’t discriminate anyone! Cheers babes!
“we don’t discriminate” ??????? You are genuinely destroying an entire Palestinian culture that existed before Israel was country
That would be a very sad, sad ESC. Not gonna happen, I BELIEVE.
In other news, this sick rhetoric has been dealt with before and shall be dealt with again.
We are not afraid. We just dont want a country at eurovision that commids war crimes.
Turkey? Azerbaijan? Uk? France? Germany? Spain?
personally, I just want the competition to survive and unfortunately I don’t see it doing that if Israel participates.
but you’ve participated with good songs the last few years
Except all of your neighboring countries lmao
They are not at Eurovision lmao
Viva Israel
except Palestinians
You’re confusing afraid with disgusted, dude
Spain to decide tomorrow (board meeting) about withdrawing – almost definite they’ll agree; and EBU (just stated) didn’t give KAN any options about withdrawing or neutral flag… More media bull crap.
Proud of my Spanish roots thanks to my grandmother, proud of my uncles and cousins who live in Spain because they prevented the end of a sporting event like the Vuelta a Espana to shout to the world, “STOP GXNOCXDE”
I have expectations to see which countries decide to exert double standards this year. The Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland already have my total support for taking such a stance (it came in late, but I’m happy it came nonetheless), same for Spain and Iceland. It’s not surprising that Sweden is complicit in it, given the current party in power, but honestly, I have no expectations. A contest in these conditions cannot be held, but even if it does, it gives people with values and decency the knowledge of where governments stand on the issue. At this point, we cannot turn… Read more »
Not exactly the Dutch Government is pro ISR, but the broadcaster is independent and has a different opinion. I’m on the broadcasters side.
I saw an post about France’s potential withdrawal, but it could be a rumor?
Israel does not deserve a platform at Eurovision. For the past two years, there has been serious vote manipulation, which undermines not only fairness but also public trust. Just as doping destroys the credibility of sports, rigged votes destroy the credibility of Eurovision. If people know the competition is unfair beforehand, more and more viewers will simply stop watching.
How on earth EBU allow Israel to shine and have pleasure on Eurovision stage while this country took so many innocent lives , especially the children. The Eurovision stage is suppose to bring countries together in peace and harmonie . It’s really unbelievable and unforgivable. Shame on you EBU and Israel , have some remorse
If people didn’t think about politics when they listen to music in Eurovision, then it would be fine for me if Israel participated (and Russia too, for that matter). In an ideal world, music would bring us together, but unfortunately there are many who ruin it with demonstrations. And it is also problematic that people vote for a country just because they wanted to support them politically. I wish people could judge solely on the music, but unfortunately people are not that competent. So that is why I see that Israel must withdraw – otherwise the competition will not survive.… Read more »
So if enough countries walk out to endanger the size of the contest, these fools still „would respect any decision broadcasters make.”? When all they have to do is what they did with Russia to make sure none of them will leave. Even if we ignore what’s happening outside the contest, Israel severely damaged Eurovision by unfairly influencing the televote. This alone would be reason enough to throw them out for any reputable organization. We’re gonna be alone here in May playing with Germany and Israel. How nice.
You just answered your own question. Obviously, there aren’t as many broadcasters demanding Israel to be kicked Out or threatening to withdraw as there when it came to Russia.
The count is still ongoing. Obviously.
The EBU must know that Israel will probably be rejected by popular vote come December hence their little proposal to KAN.
“Withdraw voluntarily for a period of time or compete under a neutral flag”
Neutral Flag idea is insane. It’s still an Israeli entry for gods sake. Organised by the public broadcaster of Israel, probably using the same method the Israeli act would have been chosen. The same privilege also wasn’t extended to Russia and Belarus I see.
EBU has lost any credibility and will suffer massively if Israel is in Vienna next year.
If they ban Israel then they should also ban Ukriane.
Ukraine keeps getting favoured due the war against Russia, even though their song this year was the worst of 2025
And next up, they should give Spain the boot for oppressing the Catalans and the Basques.
Ukraine, apart from being non-genocidal in their unwanted conflict, isn’t interfering in the public vote, as Israeli government did
Not interfering?!
So you seriously believe that Stefania deserved those 439 points from the public?
They came ukrainian refugees and from people who felt sorry for them…
Israel gets high public points because for the same reason as Ukraine, people feel sorry for them and supports them in their fight against Hamas.
An Israeli network said that the EBU has presented 2 options to KAN, 1) withdraw for a year or 2) participate under a neutral flag (like Russian athletes at Olympics). Anyone know if this is true and what do you think of it if true..?
It’s true. But apparently they are rejecting it. EBU told them to either withdraw or compete in a neutral flag.
A neutral flag is ludicrous as the entry is still organised by the same broadcaster, probably the same selection process. It’s still an Israeli entry.
KAN want to wait until December when the other broadcasters vote.
I don’t understand in what way number 2 would change anything. People will still know it’s them. It’s not like they prevent doping or something. Very odd I’d say.
Putting israeli artist under a neutral flag won’t change anything as it will still impact the integrity of the contest. Israel would still put a lot of money in promoting their song + they would say they’re a victim in the contest and they need support more than ever. In consequence, the televote would still be as “fake” as it was in 2024 and 2025, if not more. It wouldn’t represent general opinion at all.
If that´s true (which I hardly believe it is), then I really once and for all will consider if I even should care about Eurovision ever again
The EBU have now stated they have not suggested such options.
So someone somewhere is making up stories
EBU is corrupt. What is the different between Russia and israel ? Russia is not welcome and Israel for now can join? It is corrupt. But I understand because the sponsor is from Israel. So Yeas…….. how fair is EBU? NOT. So please remove also israel, or let russia join again.
If you don’t understand that Russia invaded another sovereign country, you have a problem.
The dice are rolling and you cannot stop it anymore … would be very proud if my country Belgium would join The Netherlands and Ireland
I agree, Sweden, with such a large Palestinian diaspora (and arab as well), should cause an uproar if they choose to stay in. How embarrassing would it be to have Greta, who is risking her life in the open seas to deliver help to Gaza, be the voice of reason when the head of the delegation cannot take the right stance from the comfort of their own house?
It’s a competition of song, music, and fun. Israel is one of the leading countries in it, so I understand why they’re trying to boycott it… Every country wants a chance to win, and this is exactly the time to push out the leading competitors. The hypocrisy in Europe is overwhelming.
I don’t care if this is rage bait or not, but… Have you not considered the influence from their own government to mass advertise and encourage non-ESC viewers to mass vote in a contest they don’t even watch? This has been confirmed so many times already and we know this happened. It’s the primary reason every fan wants the EBU to stop being shady and stop upholding their blatantly untrue “EuRoVIsiON iS nOt pOLiTIcaL!1!” attitude which never even held truth to begin with from the start I rarely ever care about who wins Eurovision, but all I want is for… Read more »
I Agree!
Oh yes, that’s the ONLY reason that’s happening… And here I was dying to see how the next year self pity ballad would sound like, as if the last two years wasn’t enough.
Andrew. Just stop. That ship has long sailed. And no Israel isn’t one of the leading countries innit. You’ve won 4 times. That’s nothing.
Seriously you guys grasping at straws is ludicrous have some sense of self.
If it was the reason, we would push out Sweden and Italy first.
*melts from impatience for December 4(?)*