EBU Members Overwhelmingly Allow Israel To Compete in Eurovision, 4 Countries Boycott

The European Broadcasting Union released a statement Thursday confirming that “a large majority” of its members voted to approve new Eurovision reforms, effectively ensuring that “all EBU members” who wish to participate, including Israel, may do so.

While the EBU did not name Israel directly, it emphasized that members showed “clear support” for the reform package and that there was “no need for a further vote” on eligibility.

EBU President Delphine Ernotte Cunci said the outcome “demonstrates our members’ shared commitment to protecting transparency and trust in the Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s largest live music event,” and thanked members for “their thoughtful, respectful and constructive contributions.”

Just minutes after the EBU decision, public broadcasters in the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia announced Thursday that they will withdraw from the 2026 contest in protest of Israel’s participation. Iceland said it is still weighing its options.

The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said its decision “follows a careful and extensive deliberation process” that included talks with Israel’s ambassador. “After weighing all perspectives, AVROTROS concludes that, under the current circumstances, participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organization,” it said.

Spain’s RTVE also confirmed it will drop out of next year’s event “following the vote” held Thursday in Geneva.

Ireland’s RTE said it “feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” adding that it will neither participate in nor broadcast the contest.

Spain’s departure is especially significant, as it is part of Eurovision’s “Big Five” — the top financial contributors alongside France, Germany, the UK and Italy.

Slovenia’s RTV SLO argued that Eurovision has become “hostage to the political interests of the Israeli government,” according to the broadcaster.

President Yitzchak Herzog, who played a role in efforts to secure Israel’s place in the contest, praised the EBU’s decision.

“Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed,” Herzog said. “I am pleased that Israel will once again participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and I hope that the competition will remain one that champions culture, music, friendship between nations, and cross-border cultural understanding.”

Herzog also thanked the “friends who stood up for Israel’s right to continue to contribute and compete at Eurovision,” saying the move “demonstrates solidarity, fellowship, and cooperation, and reinforces the spirit of affinity between nations through culture and music.”