What's happened
Eurovision winner Nemo has returned their 2024 trophy, criticizing Israel's participation in the 2026 contest amid ongoing Gaza conflict. Several countries are boycotting the event, citing concerns over political interference and human rights issues, challenging Eurovision's tradition of neutrality.
What's behind the headline?
The Eurovision controversy underscores a growing tension between the contest's foundational ideals and geopolitical realities. The decision to include Israel, amid accusations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, reveals how international conflicts are increasingly spilling into cultural events. Nemo's act of returning their trophy symbolizes a broader rejection of Eurovision's perceived politicization. The potential for multiple countries to boycott in 2026 threatens the contest's unity and financial stability. This situation foreshadows a possible fracture in Europe's shared cultural space, where political alignments threaten to overshadow artistic collaboration. The EBU's efforts to reform voting rules may not suffice to quell the unrest, as the core issue remains the contest's credibility as a neutral platform. The next steps will likely involve intense negotiations, with some countries possibly choosing to participate independently, further fragmenting the event. Ultimately, Eurovision's future as a unifying cultural event depends on its ability to reconcile political realities with its core mission of music and inclusion.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports Nemo's decision to return the trophy, criticizing Israel's participation amid Gaza's ongoing war, and highlights the boycott threats from several countries. The Times of Israel emphasizes Nemo's stance and the controversy over Israel's inclusion, noting the conflict's impact on the contest's integrity. SBS and AP News detail the broader geopolitical tensions, including the potential for a historic boycott and the EBU's internal debates over voting reforms. All sources agree that the controversy threatens Eurovision's tradition of neutrality, with some countries viewing Israel's participation as incompatible with the contest's values.
How we got here
Nemo, a nonbinary artist from Switzerland, won Eurovision in 2024 with 'The Code.' The EBU's decision to allow Israel to participate in 2026, despite protests, has sparked widespread controversy. Several countries oppose Israel's involvement due to its conduct in Gaza, where over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict. Historically, Eurovision aims to prioritize music over politics, but recent events have challenged this principle, with Russia's expulsion in 2022 and protests related to Gaza influencing the contest's integrity.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Countries Threatening to Boycott Eurovision 2026?
Eurovision 2026 is facing a major controversy as several countries threaten to boycott the event. The main issue revolves around Israel's participation amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, sparking debates about politics, culture, and the future of Eurovision. Curious about what's happening and why? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversy and what it means for the iconic song contest.
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Why Did Eurovision Winner Nemo Return Their Trophy?
Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo made headlines by returning their trophy amid growing controversy over the participation of Israel in the upcoming 2026 contest. This act has sparked widespread debate about the influence of politics on a traditionally apolitical music competition. Many are now asking: what prompted Nemo's decision, and how is the Gaza conflict impacting Eurovision? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversy and what it means for the future of Eurovision.
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How Is the Gaza Conflict Affecting International Events and Diplomacy?
The ongoing Gaza conflict has far-reaching effects beyond the Middle East, impacting global cultural events, international diplomacy, and worldwide reactions. People are asking how this conflict influences major global happenings and what responses countries are taking during such turbulent times. Below, we explore key questions about the international repercussions of the Gaza war and how it shapes the global landscape today.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants representing primarily European countries.
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