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.
185 Articles
185 Articles
Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026 and why? UK response explained
A number of countries are choosing to boycott Eurovision 2026 after Israel was given the go-ahead to compete.There have been calls from multiple participating nations for Israel to be banned from next year's contest due to the ongoing war in Gaza.But last week, the singing contest’s organising body, the European Broadcasting Union, declined to expel the country from competing in the 2026 contest.Members from 37 countries voted to adopt tougher c…
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.
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.
It is not yet known if the national selection of Söngvakeppnin of Iceland will take place next year.
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