Eurovision 2026: What the EBU decided, and how

At its general assembly in early December 2025, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined to hold a specific vote on Israel’s participation. Instead it approved a set of new rules aimed at limiting influence from governments or third-party promotion of songs. The Guardian+2ITVX+2
EBU said the reforms would help ensure transparency and trust in the competition, and allow Israel — along with any other country meeting the new safeguards — to compete. ITVX+1
According to EBU, a “large majority” of member broadcasters supported the reforms, and therefore there was “no need for a further vote” specifically on Israel. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
Some critics argue that by avoiding a direct vote on Israel’s eligibility, the EBU avoided fully testing the democratic will of its members — effectively forcing members to accept the new rules if they wanted to participate. The Guardian+2Anadolu Ajansı+2

Who is boycotting — and why

As of December 5, 2025, at least four broadcasters from European nations have announced they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 in response to Israel’s inclusion:

RTVE (Spain) Reuters+2euronews+2
AVROTROS (Netherlands) Reuters+2euronews+2
RTÉ (Ireland) AP News+2euronews+2
RTV Slovenia (Slovenia) Anadolu Ajansı+2The Guardian+2

These broadcasters offered a mix of reasons:

Concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. RTÉ cited “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and humanitarian crisis” as motivation. Al Jazeera+2euronews+2
Belief that Israel’s participation, under the circumstances, undermines the core values of public-service media. AVROTROS said participating “cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation.” ITVX+2euronews+2
Objections to how EBU handled the decision. RTV Slovenia maintained it would not take part because the new rules did not change its view on the matter. Anadolu Ajansı
Criticism that the contest had become politicized, and that allowing Israel to compete amounted to normalizing its actions internationally. RTVE described the process as “insufficient” and “generating distrust.” The Guardian+2euronews+2

Some other broadcasters had threatened boycott earlier, including from Iceland, and are making a final decision shortly. euronews+1

What critics claim — EBU failed to allow a fair ballot and forced rule-acceptance

Opponents argue the following:

EBU refused to conduct a direct vote on Israel’s inclusion. Some broadcasters had formally requested a secret ballot. That request was denied. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
Instead, EBU bundled Israel’s participation with a package of new rules. Some broadcasters feel they were coerced: accept changes — and by extension Israel — or withdraw. RTV Slovenia said the rule changes “do not alter” its position. Anadolu Ajansı+1
The timing and framing of the decision suggests the EBU prioritized administration and continuity over democratic legitimacy, given the absence of a dedicated vote despite high stakes.

Critics point to previous EBU actions — notably the ban on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine — arguing forcing Israel to stay in under a different standard undermines the contest’s professed neutrality. The Guardian+2Al Jazeera+2

Many artists and former participants have called Israel’s continued presence problematic, accusing its broadcaster KAN of complicity in alleged human rights violations — and seeing the EBU’s decision as a double standard. euronews+1

Broader implications — why this matters

The boycott by key participants and major broadcasters risks undermining the unity and credibility of Eurovision as a pan-European cultural event.
The procedural path chosen by the EBU may erode trust among member broadcasters that the contest’s governance is fair and responsive.
The situation underscores how geopolitical conflicts increasingly shape cultural events — challenging the idea that entertainment can remain “apolitical.”
For viewers, artists, and broadcasters, it raises tough questions: can an international music contest truly rise above war, human rights crises, and state politics?

What remains uncertain

The full list of participating countries for 2026. Some broadcasters have not yet confirmed whether they will join. The Times of Israel+2euronews+2
Whether additional withdrawals will follow before the final lineup is locked. Some broadcasters previously signaled possible boycott. euronews+2Al Jazeera+2
How effective the new voting rules will be in preventing undue influence or perceived bias. Skeptics question whether procedural changes suffice to restore trust.

This episode illustrates how governance, values, and external conflict can collide even in a music festival. For Eurovision, its legacy as a unifying cultural space now faces deep tests.