Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.
Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, stated, There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is. RÚV highlighted that Israel's involvement had caused disunity both among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and within the public.
The broadcaster's board made the boycott decision during a meeting on Wednesday, just hours prior to the deadline for countries to confirm their participation in the upcoming 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision due in May 2026.
Eurovision director Martin Green expressed respect for the choices of participating broadcasters and hopes for their return in the future. He stated, We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest and hope to welcome them back soon.
Israel's presence in Eurovision has historically represented a point of contention, particularly amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza and accusations of influence over the voting process. Concerns remain over whether the newly approved measures by EBU to protect voting integrity will adequately address these issues.
The board noted that earlier recommendations to exclude Israel from Eurovision 2026 were unheard, leading to the decision to step back from participation. RÚV voiced that concerns from various Icelandic stakeholders against participation were duly noted, emphasizing that the contest’s reputation has been damaged and a solution is imperative.
In light of the situation, Poland has confirmed its participation in the contest, believing there is still an opportunity for Eurovision to present itself as an event solely centered on music, amid existing tensions. \
All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.
Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, stated, There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is. RÚV highlighted that Israel's involvement had caused disunity both among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and within the public.
The broadcaster's board made the boycott decision during a meeting on Wednesday, just hours prior to the deadline for countries to confirm their participation in the upcoming 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision due in May 2026.
Eurovision director Martin Green expressed respect for the choices of participating broadcasters and hopes for their return in the future. He stated, We respect the decision of all broadcasters who have chosen not to participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest and hope to welcome them back soon.
Israel's presence in Eurovision has historically represented a point of contention, particularly amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza and accusations of influence over the voting process. Concerns remain over whether the newly approved measures by EBU to protect voting integrity will adequately address these issues.
The board noted that earlier recommendations to exclude Israel from Eurovision 2026 were unheard, leading to the decision to step back from participation. RÚV voiced that concerns from various Icelandic stakeholders against participation were duly noted, emphasizing that the contest’s reputation has been damaged and a solution is imperative.
In light of the situation, Poland has confirmed its participation in the contest, believing there is still an opportunity for Eurovision to present itself as an event solely centered on music, amid existing tensions. \
