The European Broadcasting Union has announced it will hold a special vote in November that could result in the exclusion of Israel’s public broadcaster from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
In correspondence distributed to member organizations, EBU leadership indicated that significant disagreement among participating nations regarding Israel’s continued involvement necessitated a formal membership vote. The organization cited “substantially divergent perspectives” that required resolution through democratic processes.
This development follows public statements from several national broadcasters—including those representing Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia—indicating they would consider withdrawing from next year’s competition if Israel remained a participant.
The situation echoes the 2022 exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Israel, a four-time Eurovision champion since first competing in 1973, has faced ongoing controversy surrounding its participation in recent contests.
Both the 2024 event in Malmö, Sweden and this year’s competition in Basel, Switzerland saw demonstrations outside venues related to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The 2026 contest, marking Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, is scheduled for Vienna next May. Austrian broadcaster ORF has confirmed the event will proceed regardless of participation levels, with a spokesperson stating: “The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna in 2026. The event will proceed irrespective of how many broadcasters ultimately take part.”
The extraordinary general assembly vote is scheduled to be conducted online in early November.
