Israel Approved for 2026 Eurovision; Spain and the Netherlands Announce Withdrawal

Ireland, Spain, Netherlands announce boycott of Eurovision following failed effort to oust Israel

The European Broadcasting Union said a “large majority” of its members agreed not to vote on Israel’s participation.

Several countries withdraw from 2026 Eurovision after Israel is allowed to participate

Several European broadcasters have withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after the event’s governing body confirmed that Israel will be permitted to compete. The decisions followed a vote at the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) winter assembly in Geneva, where members approved new contest rules and reaffirmed Israel’s eligibility for the competition, which will be held in Vienna in May 2026. Multiple public broadcasters said the out…

Four European countries boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation

Enduring global conflicts have renewed debates and spurred difficult decisions on whether to penalize sporting and cultural figures for their governments’ actions. Israel on Thursday was officially cleared to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, prompting the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia to pull out of next year’s competition, citing Israel’s offensive in Gaza. “Culture unites, but not at any price,” a Dutch broadcasting exec…

Ireland, Netherlands, Among Four Countries Boycotting 2026 Eurovision Song Contest In Protest Of Israel

'Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world'

Multiple Countries Pull Out Of Major Event In Protest Of Israel

Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain will skip the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after organizers cleared Israel to take part.