Eurovision 2026: Israel's participation sparks controversy

Eurovision's slogan, "United by Music," rings especially hollow for the contest's 70thedition. While the grand song competition's final is set to take place at Vienna's Stadthalle on Saturday, May 16, dissent has never been louder in the contest's history, as protests grow over Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza. For the first time, five countries – Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia – are boycotting the event, reducing the number of participating countries to 35. "Instead of the Eurovision circus, our programming will focus on the thematic series 'Voices of Palestine,'" announced RTV Slovenia, the public broadcaster in a country where public opinion is strongly opposed to the war in Gaza. Ireland and Spain have also decided not to broadcast the event. While other countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, are returning to the competition after a two-year absence, the five states boycotting the contest represent a significant financial loss for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision. Spain had until now been part of the five largest financial contributors to the competition, alongside France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. These countries automatically qualify for the final due to their financial support. You have 80.1% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. ByJean-Baptiste Chastand(Vienna (Austria) regional correspondent)andAlexis Duval 4 min read Subscribers only Eurovision's slogan, "United by Music," rings especially hollow for the contest's 70thedition. While the grand song competition's final is set to take place at Vienna's Stadthalle on Saturday, May 16, dissent has never been louder in the contest's history, as protests grow over Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza. For the first time, five countries – Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia – are boycotting the event, reducing the number of participating countries to 35. "Instead of the Eurovision circus, our programming will focus on the thematic series 'Voices of Palestine,'" announced RTV Slovenia, the public broadcaster in a country where public opinion is strongly opposed to the war in Gaza. Ireland and Spain have also decided not to broadcast the event. While other countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, are returning to the competition after a two-year absence, the five states boycotting the contest represent a significant financial loss for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision. Spain had until now been part of the five largest financial contributors to the competition, alongside France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. These countries automatically qualify for the final due to their financial support. You have 80.1% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.