After the European Broadcasting Union approved of Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, several nations, including Ireland, have decided to boycott the event.
Four countries have decided not to compete in Eurovision next year, after it was ruled that Israel were allowed to take part. Ireland, The Netherlands, Slovenia and ‘big five’ country Spain have all pulled out of the music competition, as the conflict in Palestine continues.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, met on 3 December to decide if Israel would be allowed to take part in this year’s competition. The discussion was held as calls to expel Israel from the contest became increasingly frequent.
Israel’s entry into competition was approved by the EBU. Spain announced its withdrawal from the contest minutes after the announcement was made. Alfonso Morales, the country’s national broadcaster’s secretary general, expressed concern about allowing Israel’s broadcaster KAN to participate.
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Despite the ceasefire and the peace process being approved, the situation in Gaza and Israel’s use of the contest for political purposes, according to Morales.
One of the contest’s Big Five, Spain, receives the most financial support, earning a final spot automatically. Italy, France, the UK, Germany, and France are the other countries. Austria, Germany’s host country this year, and Germany and Italy have both stated that they are considering resuming their travels.
Ireland likewise endorsed Spain’s boycott. The televised competition will not be shown either on RTVE and RTE, both of the nations’ national broadcasters. Given the horrific loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continue to put the lives of so many civilians in danger, Ireland’s RTE said in a statement.
The continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory and the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict are both deeply concerning, according to RTÉ.
Additionally, the Netherlands has chosen not to participate. Universal values like humanity and press freedom have been seriously compromised, according to Taco Zimmerman, general manager of Dutch broadcaster Avrotros.
Slovenia will also abstain from attending the event. If Israel is present, RTV Slovenia board chairwoman Natalija Gorscal declared: “We will not participate in the ESC.” in honor of the 20, 000 Gaza deaths.
According to the British Red Cross, the death toll in Gaza as of 29 October is over 61,000, including over 17,000 children, since 7 October 2023. They also stated that 2 million Palestinians are facing extreme hunger.
In 2024, calls for Israel’s expulsion from Eurovision first arose. Israel’s continued involvement has caused a number of protests. However, some people still appear to be in favor of their participation. Israel’s Yuval Raphael won the contest this year, taking home the overall win.
The contest is supposed to take place in Vienna, Austria, in 2026, which is the 70th year of Eurovision. If Austria decides to withdraw, it is unknown where the contest will take place. Iceland and Belgium are also considering leaving, along with Austria, Germany, and Italy.
EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci responded to the calls for Israel to leave, saying, “These discussions have resulted in significant changes to the Eurovision Song Contest rules, ensuring it continues to be a forum for unity and cultural exchange.
Source: Mirror
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