The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have publicly declared their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the subsequent allowance of its participation by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). These countries, through their respective public broadcasters, have articulated concerns regarding severe humanitarian suffering, the suppression of press freedom, and what they describe as political interference within the contest itself.
The decision by these nations follows a meeting of the EBU where a vote on Israel's participation was reportedly sidestepped. This has led to public broadcasters like the Dutch AvroTros to deem Israel's involvement "no longer compatible with the responsibility we bear as a public broadcaster." Similarly, Spain's RTVE pointed to the situation in Gaza and Israel's alleged use of the contest for political purposes, making neutrality difficult. Ireland's RTÉ stated that continued participation was "unconscionable" given the humanitarian crisis.
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Iceland has also joined this wave of departures, with its national broadcaster RÚV stating that the contest's aim of uniting the nation cannot be achieved under the current circumstances.
The EBU, in response to the withdrawals, has acknowledged and respected the decisions, expressing hope for the return of these broadcasters in future contests. They have also confirmed that no increased participation fees will be imposed on the remaining countries due to these absences. Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, has reportedly issued a 'personal pledge' to fans regarding the plans for the 2026 event.
The backdrop to these departures is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties.
This is not the first time political discord has touched the Eurovision stage. Russia was previously banned following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Israel, however, has continued to participate, with President Isaac Herzog expressing his satisfaction and asserting Israel's right to representation on all stages.
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Despite these boycotts, the contest is slated to proceed with 35 countries competing, with new rules implemented by the EBU to ensure what they describe as fair competition. Some broadcasters, like the BBC, have stated their support for the EBU's collective decision to allow Israel's participation. Meanwhile, broadcasters from countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg have indicated their support for Israel's inclusion.
Instead of broadcasting Eurovision, some of the withdrawing nations have opted for alternative programming. Ireland's RTÉ is scheduled to air a special episode of the sitcom Father Ted, specifically an installment focused on a Eurovision-inspired storyline. Spain will broadcast its own musical special titled The House of Music.
