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 discussions are pending in several countries. However, there could also be some new starters.

Song Contest Without Iceland?

Following the approval of a rule change by EBU member broadcasters 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 to be 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 have also considered this. However, the Swedish broadcaster SVT withdrew its concerns after the announcement of Israel's participation.

Bulgaria Before ESC Comeback?

Participants who had temporarily withdrawn, such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, are likely to be back, explained ORF Director General Roland Weißmann in mid-November at a press conference.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. Overall, Weißmann expressed optimism that despite the debate, a record number of participating countries could be achieved. This would mean surpassing the previous record of 43 countries.

The EBU plans to publish the final list of participants before Christmas. The number of participating countries at the ESC varies each year. However, in any case, the ESC motto "United by Music" seems somewhat pale in light of the debate triggered by the Gaza war. Weißmann repeatedly emphasized that TV stations, not governments, participate in the competition.

Israel's President Commented

The 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.

How the boycott by several countries will financially impact is not entirely clear. However, ORF Chief Weißmann stated in an APA interview at the end of October that the financial risk is "very manageable." "If one or two countries do not participate, it is absolutely manageable," he said. The risk is shared between the EBU and the organizer in the form of the ORF.

(APA/Red)

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