Five countries boycott Eurovision 2026

Reuters reported on May 16 that Eurovision 2026 ended in Vienna under the shadow of a five-country boycott over Israel's participation in the contest. The withdrawals came from public broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia, according to Reuters and statements from the broadcasters themselves. The boycott reduced the field to 35 entries, the smallest Eurovision lineup since 2003, Reuters said. The Grand Final still went ahead on May 16 in Vienna with 25 countries competing on stage. ### Which countries stayed out of Vienna? Reuters named Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia as the five countries that withdrew from Eurovision 2026 over Israel's inclusion. Ireland's RTÉ said on December 4 it would neither participate in nor broadcast the contest. Slovenia's RTV SLO confirmed on December 5 that it would not take part, and Iceland's RÚV said on December 10 that it also would stay out. (usnews.com) Spain's RTVE said on December 4 that it was withdrawing after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to compete in Vienna. RTVE also said it would not air the May 16 final or the two semi-finals on May 12 and May 14. ### What reasons did the broadcasters give? RTÉ said Ireland's participation was "unconscionable" because of "the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there." (usnews.com) RTÉ also cited concern over the killing of journalists in Gaza and the denial of access to international journalists. RÚV director general Stefán Eiríksson said in the Icelandic broadcaster's statement that Israel's participation had caused disunity and that "neither joy nor peace will prevail" around an Icelandic entry. (rtve.es) RTVE president José Pablo López said Eurovision had become "dominated by geopolitical interests," according to RTVE. Slovenia's broadcaster said it had sought Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza and allegations of unfair voting practices. (about.rte.ie) ### Why was Israel still allowed to compete? The European Broadcasting Union said in November it had changed Eurovision's voting rules for 2026 after consultation with member broadcasters. The changes included halving the voting cap, restoring professional juries to the semi-finals and tightening rules on promotion, including campaigns backed by governments or government agencies. (ruv.is) The EBU said on December 11 that it respected each member's right to decide whether to participate. The organization also said it looked forward to working with broadcasters that took part in Vienna and hoped the members that stayed out in 2026 would return "very soon." Reuters reported that contest director Martin Green said before the event that Eurovision tried to remain "a neutral space." (ebu.ch) ### How much did the boycott change the contest itself? Reuters said the boycott cut the number of entries to 35, the lowest since 2003. Reuters also said last year's contest drew an estimated 166 million viewers worldwide, making the withdrawals notable for a show that relies on broad pan-European participation. Twenty-five countries, including Israel, reached the May 16 final in Vienna. (ebu.ch) Vienna also saw protests during Eurovision week. Reuters reported that Austrian police prepared for possible blockades and disruption attempts on the day of the final, and that a protest was scheduled to pass the venue before the live show began. ### What happens after the 2026 final? The EBU said on December 11 that it would continue working with the absent broadcasters and hoped they would be back in the contest soon. (usnews.com) Eurovision 2026 has now concluded in Vienna, and any decision on participation in the 2027 contest will rest with the same national broadcasters and the EBU's future rules process. (ebu.ch)