Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, and Slovenia Withdraw from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel's Participation

In a significant development for the Eurovision Song Contest, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced their withdrawal from the 2026 competition following the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel's participation amid ongoing controversies surrounding its actions in Gaza.

The EBU, which organizes the annual music event, convened a general assembly in Geneva on December 3, 2025, to address concerns raised by several member broadcasters regarding Israel's inclusion. Despite calls for a secret ballot on the matter, the EBU opted not to hold such a vote. Instead, it introduced reforms aimed at reinforcing the contest's neutrality and preventing governmental influence. These reforms included reducing the weight of public televotes from 20% to 10%, reinstating expert juries in the semifinals, and implementing technical measures to enhance security against fraud and manipulation.

In response to the EBU's decision, several countries announced their withdrawal from the 2026 contest:

• Spain: The Spanish broadcaster RTVE expressed distrust in the festival's organization and confirmed that Spain would not participate or broadcast the event.

• The Netherlands: Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that under the current circumstances, participation could not be reconciled with the public values fundamental to their organization.

• Ireland: Irish broadcaster RTÉ cited the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis as reasons for its withdrawal.

• Slovenia: RTV Slovenia maintained its stance to skip Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing ethical principles and the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The withdrawals underscore the challenges of maintaining cultural events as apolitical platforms amid geopolitical conflicts. The boycotting nations argue that Israel's inclusion contradicts Eurovision's core values of neutrality and cultural unity. This situation has sparked broader discussions on the role of international cultural events in addressing or ignoring political and humanitarian issues.

Eurovision has faced political controversies in the past. Notably, Russia was excluded from the contest in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. The current situation with Israel presents a complex challenge, as the EBU seeks to balance its commitment to cultural inclusivity with the political stances of its member broadcasters.

The Eurovision Song Contest, traditionally a celebration of music and cultural unity, now finds itself at the intersection of art and politics. The decisions by Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia to withdraw from the 2026 contest highlight the profound impact geopolitical conflicts can have on international cultural events. As the EBU navigates these turbulent waters, the future of Eurovision's inclusivity and neutrality remains a topic of intense debate.