US EditionIceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation
Iceland joins four other European countries boycotting Eurovision 2026, citing human rights concerns and alleged vote manipulation linked to Israel's participation, broadcaster said.
- On Wednesday, Iceland's public broadcaster RÚV announced it will not take part in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, notifying the European Broadcasting Union of its decision as the fifth country to withdraw.
- Stakeholders including artists' associations and sections of the Icelandic public urged the EBU to remove KAN, citing concerns raised at London and Geneva meetings, with RÚV saying public debate showed `neither joy nor peace`.
- At the EBU General Assembly, members from 56 countries adopted tougher voting rules but did not exclude KAN, though Sky News reported 11 opposed the changes without a further vote.
- The withdrawals have prompted warnings that walkouts by Iceland's RÚV and broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia damage Eurovision's unity, finances, and reputation.
- Wednesday's deadline means the European Broadcasting Union will publish a final list before Christmas as Eurovision 2026, the 70th edition, approaches at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle in May.
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171 Articles
The ESC 2026 in Vienna is already under special observation. The focus is on the participation of Israel. Now another country announced that it would not want to participate in the competition.
Iceland withdraws from Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation
Iceland has announced its withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining several European countries that have canceled their participation in response to Israel’s involvement.
It is not yet known if the national selection of Söngvakeppnin of Iceland will take place next year.
Another tile on the organization of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, to be held in Austria, in Vienna, from 12 to 16 May 2026, with the semifinals Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May and the final Saturday 16 May, at the Wiener Stadthalle. After Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia, Iceland also announced the withdrawal from the next Eurovision due to the participation of Israel. The national station Ruv of the North European country has communi…
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