Since debuting in 1986, Iceland has participated in Eurovision every year except two (failing to qualify for the 1998 and 2002 events). But this dedication to the song contest could potentially come to an end in 2026.
Stefán Jón Hafstein, Chair of RÚV — Iceland’s national broadcaster — told Vísir that they “don’t know” whether Iceland will be in Vienna next year.
RÚV’s board will make a decision on participation once the outcome regarding Israel’s involvement is known. The EBU is currently consulting with broadcasters on this issue, with a decision expected ahead of the next General Assembly in December — and the deadline for countries to confirm participation has been extended to align with this.
Stefán himself has expressed his personal views, stating he feels that Iceland should not appear at Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to be included. But he didn’t want to predict how other members of the board will cast their votes: “How the entire board will vote, I don’t dare to say. I just know that as a majority, we were completely unanimous in putting forward this reservation [of Iceland’s participation].”
As of now, RÚV will open submissions for its national final Söngvakeppnin. However, Stefán noted artists should be aware that Eurovision participation for the winner is not guaranteed: “We will advertise for Icelandic participants in the song contest, but with the reservation of participating in Eurovision. We just don’t know if that will happen.”
Israel’s ongoing presence at Eurovision has been the centre of much debate and protest for the past two years following its actions in Gaza, where more than 64,000 people have been killed.
The world’s leading experts have declared that Israel is committing genocide in the region and the United Nations has confirmed famine in Gaza as a result of the Israel’s policies.
This current war in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict began after Hamas carried out an attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Iceland has been one of the main voices in calling for Israel’s removal from the contest.
RÚV previously passed on concerns to the EBU from the country’s Foreign Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who shared her belief that Israel should not be permitted to compete at Eurovision.
In May, numerous past Eurovision acts from the Nordic nation signed an international open letter demanding Israel’s exclusion.
Then in July, RÚV took a key role in discussions on Israel’s participation at the EBU’s 94th General Assembly. Ahead of the meeting, Stefán Jón Hafstein outlined his proposals:
- Suspend Israel’s participation until international investigations are available with conclusive results.
- At most, independent Israeli artists are allowed to compete under a neutral flag provided they declare support for Eurovision’s core values, including human rights for all.
- Adhere to human rights standards in Eurovision rules, in the spirit of international sports and politics, and with the example of Russia in mind.
Iceland is not the only country mulling over its future participation at Eurovision 2026.
Director of RTV Slovenia, Ksenija Horvat, said the country’s Eurovision withdrawal was likely following unanswered questions about Israel’s participation.
Additionally, Spain’s Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, recently declared that if Israel continues to participate in Eurovision 2026 then Spain will take action, including the possibility of withdrawing from the contest. Urtasun stated: “The decision to participate in Eurovision lies with RTVE. However, if Israel once again takes part in the contest, measures will be taken [including those related to Spain’s withdrawal].”
I bet there are at least 6 to 8 other mostly West European nations which are making the same calculations Iceland is. The EBU can’t afford going forward with the 70th edition of the song contest consisting of only 34-35 countries at best even if Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia or others return or debut. Israel obviously won’t ‘volunteer’ to step down as long as the EBU doesn’t apply specific measures. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Ireland may be next about Eurovision participation being uncertain as RTE may delay their participation in Eurovision 2026 for the same reasons.
Read the room, EBU. If two European countries like Iceland and Slovenia are on their way out, you’re doing everything wrong. Iceland is crazy about Eurovision and Slovenia never missed a contest by choice since their debut. I want them to stay. My only criticism is that by now, I find it dishonest to play the what if game. With Russia, it was „if they stay, we go“. Make a clear choice and go with it. The EBU does have a small point when they pretend nothing‘s wrong when all they ignore are empty threats.
Ireland may too