US EditionEurovision faces major test as countries weigh Israel's participation
EBU members consider new rules after Israel’s controversial 2025 entry, with some broadcasters threatening boycotts and 150 million viewers at stake.
- At a meeting in Geneva on Dec 2, European Broadcasting Union members will consider whether Israel can compete in 2026 and discuss new rules following controversy this year.
- The controversy stems from allegations that Israel faces genocide accusations from the United Nations and rights groups, its prime minister is indicted by the ICC, and broadcasters threaten boycotts over Gaza's 70,000 death toll.
- Critics pointed to specific promotion concerns, noting Israel unfairly boosted Yuval Raphael, Israel's entrant who finished second this year, while KAN told Reuters it complied with EBU rules and Austrian host broadcaster ORF supports Israel competing.
- A boycott could cause public broadcasters including Spain to cut audience and sponsorship, while Germany and broadcaster ARD would probably withdraw if Israel is excluded.
- The Eurovision Song Contest's non-political mission matters because Paul Jordan called it a 'watershed moment' and the EBU hopes measures will protect neutrality, with around 150 million viewers watching.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The 95th General Assembly of the UER will take place on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Geneva. The event, which is held twice a year, brings together general directors and senior leaders of the member organisations of the UER, such as all public television stations participating in Eurovision. The festival is, in fact, the hot spot this year, a point that appears on the agenda generically, without entering into specifications, but that will contain th…
A decision is approaching about next year's Eurovision Song Contest. Several countries want to kick Israel out because of the war in Gaza. But that's not the only reason. We know this.
Soon the announcement will come whether Israel will participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest. Several are threatening a boycott. – This is Eurovision's biggest crisis so far, says expert Dean Vuletic to TT.
EBU faces 'watershed moment' over Israel in Eurovision 2026
Eurovision faces a “watershed moment” as the EBU may vote on Israel’s 2026 participation this Thursday. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands threaten boycott, while Germany warns it could withdraw if Israel is banned.
Eurovision members likely to hold vote on Israel ban on Thursday
The Eurovision Song Contest faces a "watershed moment" on Thursday when members of the body that organises the contest may vote on whether Israel can compete in 2026, as some nations threaten to withdraw if it is not excluded due to its genocidal conduct in Gaza. European Broadcasting Union members will convene to discuss new rules designed to prevent governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters after…
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