Eurovision 2026 in Crisis as Four Countries Boycott Over Israel’s Participation

Eurovision 2026 has plunged into controversy after four European nations—Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—announced that they will not participate in next year’s music competition.

The boycott comes immediately after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that Israel would remain part of the contest and that the proposal to remove it would not be put up for a vote.

The EBU’s decision sparked backlash across Europe, with several countries arguing that Israel’s military actions in Gaza and ongoing human rights violations cannot be ignored.

Ireland’s public broadcaster RTE stated that the “humanitarian catastrophe and staggering loss of life” in Gaza compelled them to withdraw. The Netherlands said Israel’s participation goes against its public values and moral principles.

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Slovenia announced its withdrawal in memory of the 20,000 children killed in the conflict, while Spain’s broadcaster RTVE accused Israel of using Eurovision for political messaging, undermining the competition’s neutrality.

Meanwhile, Germany adopted an opposing stance, declaring that if Israel is excluded, it will also pull out of the competition—highlighting the deep division among European nations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the EBU’s decision, stating that Israel has the right to representation on every global stage and should not be targeted through boycotts.