Also Netherlands Against Israel's Participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

After Spain and Ireland had previously hinted at withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, should the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) not exclude Israel in light of the Gaza war, the Netherlands followed on Friday. The broadcaster Avrotros stated unequivocally in a statement that participation in the Vienna ESC would only be considered if Israel were excluded.

Netherlands will not participate in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel participates

"Avrotros can no longer justify Israel's participation, given the ongoing and severe suffering in Gaza," the broadcaster stated. The erosion of press freedom due to the exclusion of independent media from the Gaza Strip by the Israeli government is also cited by the Dutch TV station. Additionally, it has been proven that the Israeli government intervened during this year's contest in Basel to misuse the event as a political tool. "This contradicts the non-political nature of the contest. And these circumstances are not compatible with the values that Avrotros stands for," it further states: "The broadcaster has therefore decided that Avrotros' participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is not possible as long as Israel remains admitted by the EBU. Should the EBU decide to exclude Israel, Avrotros will gladly participate next year."

Ireland and Spain also against Israel's participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

On Thursday, the Irish broadcaster RTÉ had already announced that it would refrain from participating in Vienna if Israel were not excluded. "RTÉ believes that Ireland's participation would be unacceptable given the ongoing and horrific loss of life in the Gaza Strip," it said. A final cancellation from Dublin would only occur if the EBU finally decided to allow Israel to participate. And Spain - one of the five major contributing countries of the ESC - had also demanded on Wednesday, through the Minister of Culture, that Israel, which is at war, be excluded from the Song Contest. If this does not happen, Spain may also have to consider withdrawing, said Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun in an interview.

Cautious reactions from Norway regarding Israel's participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

Previously, Slovenia had already shown skepticism about a possible participation in Vienna if Israel were on board. The Norwegian broadcaster NRK also showed restraint towards the dpa, but also referred to negotiations with the EBU. "The goal is to gather opinions on how the EBU should handle both participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the competition," said broadcaster representative Charlo Halvorsen: "NRK is actively participating in this process, during which the EBU will conduct a thorough review with all member countries in early December." Currently, they are sticking to the decision to be part of the event in Vienna.

ORF would welcome Israel at Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

ORF Director General Roland Weißmann had clearly emphasized last week that they would welcome Israel's participation in the ESC in Vienna as hosts. However, the decision on participation initially lies with Israel's public broadcaster Kan. In this position, the ORF Foundation Council on Thursday backed the broadcaster's chief and unanimously - with four abstentions - recommended Weißmann to continue representing this position.

(APA/Red)

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