Ireland, Spain and Netherlands announce they are boycotting the song contest in Vienna next May in response to decision at meeting of European Broadcasting Union
December 4, 2025 18:36
Israel will take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after an attempt to vote them out failed at a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The national broadcasters of Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands have said they will now pull out in response.
They claim their boycott is over concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Slovenia and Iceland’s broadcasters had expressed similar views calling for Israel to be expelled and are expected to pull out of the contest, which is set to take place in Vienna next May.
Host country Austria and Germany had been set to refuse to participate in the contest if Israel had been expelled but will now take part.
EBU members did approve new rules designed to stop governments promoting artists in the popular vote that decides the competition winner.
The changes follow claims that Israel had unfairly boosted Yuval Raphael, who came second this year singing New Day Will Rise at the final in Basel, Switzerland.
Spanish broadcaster RTVE added: "The board of directors of RTVE agreed last September that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel was part of it."
"This withdrawal also means that RTVE will not broadcast the Eurovision 2026 final, nor the preliminary semi-finals."
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said: "Participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values that are essential to us."
Irish broadcaster RTE said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.
"RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory."
EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci said: “The result of this vote demonstrates our Members’ shared commitment to protecting transparency and trust in the Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s largest live music event.”
“I would like to thank all Members for their thoughtful, respectful and constructive contributions during today’s session and throughout the extensive consultation process undertaken this year.”
“These discussions have led to meaningful changes to the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, ensuring it remains a place for unity and cultural exchange.”
The full list of participants in the contest on its 70th anniversary is set to be announced before the end of the year.
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