As a huge Eurovision fan, I’m really disappointed to hear that several countries are now planning to boycott the 2026 contest. It’s especially concerning that one of the ‘Big 5’ – those core countries that automatically qualify – is pulling out, and it looks like others might join them. This is all happening because of the decision to allow Israel to compete this year, and it’s creating a really difficult situation for everyone involved.
Next May, Vienna, Austria will host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This follows JJ’s win at this year’s competition in Basel, Switzerland, with his song, ‘Wasted Love’.
Following requests from several countries involved in the competition to exclude Israel due to the current conflict in Gaza, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has adopted new guidelines. These rules aim to ensure fairness and transparency in how songs are promoted, maintaining the competition’s neutrality.
The organization stated that most members decided another vote wasn’t necessary and that the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will go ahead as scheduled, with some extra safety measures added.
Because of this, Israel’s participation in the competition wasn’t put to a separate vote, and the country will be allowed to compete in Vienna.
A recent decision has prompted four countries to announce they will not participate in next year’s competition. Keep reading to learn which countries are involved, and to understand the details of this significant decision and how the BBC has reacted.
Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026?
The countries that have so far confirmed to be boycotting Eurovision 2026 are:
• Ireland
• Spain
• The Netherlands
• Slovenia
More countries might join the boycott, as Belgium’s broadcaster plans to announce its stance soon and Iceland will decide next week, even though it initially backed the EBU’s decision.
Why are some countries boycotting Eurovision 2026?
Representatives from about 50 of Eurovision’s participating broadcasters, including the BBC, met last week to discuss and agree on new safety guidelines for the competition.
As a huge fan of the singing competition, I was really worried when I heard about the emergency meeting. Apparently, several countries were asking for Israel to be removed because of the situation in Gaza and concerns that the voting hasn’t always been fair. It’s a tough situation, and I just hope they can find a way to keep the focus on the music!
Broadcasters at the event were asked to back new rules meant to stop governments or other organizations from influencing voting results. This request came after concerns were raised that Israel improperly promoted its contestant, Yuval Raphael, potentially giving him an unfair advantage in this year’s competition.
Most voters decided another vote wasn’t necessary, meaning Eurovision 2026 can proceed as scheduled.
Four countries announced they will not participate in Eurovision 2026. Ireland’s broadcaster explained this decision, stating that participating would be unacceptable considering the tragic loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which continues to endanger civilians.
Even though Spain is one of the five biggest contributors to the competition – along with the UK, Italy, France, and Germany – they’ve decided not to participate this year. Being a “Big 5” country usually guarantees a spot in the final, but Spain is still boycotting.
RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, announced that its board decided last September to pull out of the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participated.
Because of this decision, RTVE will no longer be broadcasting the Eurovision 2026 final, or the shows to qualify for it.
This comes after Russia’s continued ban from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
What is the UK’s response to Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2026?
The UK will compete in Eurovision 2026. The BBC stated they support the European Broadcasting Union’s decision, explaining it’s about upholding the competition’s rules and ensuring inclusivity.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place in May 2026 in Vienna, Austria.
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2025-12-05 15:35