Is the Eurovision Song Contest Losing More Countries?

The decision made on Thursday evening at an EBU General Assembly to allow Israel to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna poses a challenge for the gigantic music competition. How severe this will be is yet to be seen. The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain have announced a boycott. More could follow, as consultations are pending in several countries. But there could also be some new starters.

Song Contest Without Iceland?

Following the approval of a rule change by EBU member broadcasters, which aims to ensure the impartiality of the competition, all member countries that meet the criteria and wish to participate are allowed to join the music competition. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) or the ESC is likely most affected by Spain's boycott. It is one of the five major funding countries of the ESC. Additionally, Spanish viewers have so far been among the most passionate fans of the competition. With Ireland, the ESC loses the country that, with seven victories at the ESC and its predecessor events, is the most successful country - tied with Sweden. The Netherlands have claimed first place five times. The Icelandic broadcaster RUV is considered a potential candidate for withdrawal. The management will discuss Iceland's participation in the ESC on Wednesday. Other countries like Belgium, Sweden, and Finland also considered this but have since withdrawn their concerns.

RAI Union Against Italy's Participation

In Italy, resistance is forming. According to the union of employees of the public broadcaster RAI, a withdrawal of Italy from the ESC would "send a clear sign of dissent" and unite the nation with "the growing group of countries that publicly distance themselves from the actions of the Israeli government." A withdrawal would demonstrate "how much Italy values the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice," as stated in a press release from the union.

France and Germany Support Israel's Participation

Italy, like Spain, France, Germany, and Great Britain, is among the "Big Five". France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the country would never take the path of boycotting a people, its artists, or its intellectuals. Germany also clearly supported the decision that the Israeli broadcaster KAN should be allowed to participate.

Bulgaria's ESC Comeback?

Former ESC participants who had temporarily withdrawn, such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, are likely to be back, explained ORF Director General Roland Weißmann in mid-November at a press conference. He also noted that Canada is interested in participating in the music competition.

Israel's President Commented

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the decision for Israel to participate in the ESC. "Israel deserves to be represented on all stages of the world," he stated on the platform X. He also thanked Israel's friends who advocated for the country's right to continue participating in the competition. Austria is likely among them, as several politicians - including Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), and Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) - clearly supported Israel's participation. The FPÖ also considers it "naturally" "welcome" that Israel can participate, but fears that the "disputes" could extend to the event and thus "foreign conflicts" could be imported to Vienna.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.