What's happened
Eurovision 2026 in Vienna faces a significant boycott as several countries, including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, withdraw in protest of Israel's participation amid its Gaza conflict. The decision by organizers to allow Israel to compete has intensified political tensions, overshadowing the event's usual festive atmosphere.
What's behind the headline?
The Eurovision boycott reveals a deeper political divide within Europe, exposing how cultural events are increasingly intertwined with geopolitical conflicts. The decision to include Israel amid its Gaza war has ignited a debate about the contest's apolitical stance versus its role as a political barometer. The boycott by countries like Ireland and Iceland signals a shift where public broadcasters are willing to prioritize moral and ethical concerns over tradition. This crisis will likely force the EBU to reconsider its policies, potentially leading to stricter rules on political participation. The fallout could diminish Eurovision's global viewership and cultural influence, as the event risks becoming a battleground for political statements rather than a celebration of music. The next steps will involve balancing political sensitivities with the desire to maintain Eurovision's unity and appeal, possibly resulting in more explicit guidelines on political expression at future contests.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights how the boycott stems from concerns over Israel's conduct in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation, emphasizing the political tensions overshadowing the event. The Independent and AP News detail the scale of the boycott, noting that five countries have announced they will sit out, and that the controversy threatens Eurovision's 70th anniversary. Al Jazeera provides insight into Nemo's decision to return his trophy, criticizing the contest's use to soften Israel's image amid its Gaza war. All sources underscore the growing politicization of Eurovision, with some experts warning that this crisis could reshape the future of the event and its role as a cultural unifier.
How we got here
Eurovision, organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has historically reflected European cultural and political sentiments. Recent years have seen the contest politicized, especially over disputes like vote-rigging allegations and regional conflicts. The ongoing Gaza war and Israel's participation have sparked widespread protests and boycotts, with some broadcasters citing concerns over media freedom and ethical considerations. The controversy has escalated as some artists and broadcasters threaten to withdraw, threatening the event's unity and reputation.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Countries Boycotting Eurovision 2026?
Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is facing a major controversy, with several countries choosing to boycott the event. The main reason behind this is the participation of Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Many broadcasters and artists are protesting what they see as political interference and ethical concerns. This raises questions about how politics are affecting cultural events like Eurovision and what the future holds for the contest. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for Eurovision’s role as a unifying platform.
More on these topics
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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 European Broadcasting Union is an alliance of public service media organisations, established on 12 February 1950. The organisation is made up of 115 member organisations in 56 countries, and 34 associate members from a further 21 countries.
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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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Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
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Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe. It is composed of nine federated states, one of which is Vienna, Austria's capital and its largest city.