Overview
- EBU members approved new rules designed to limit government influence, confirming that any member agreeing to the rules is eligible to enter in 2026.
- Following the decision, public broadcasters from the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia said they will not participate in the Vienna contest.
- Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, led by Tako Zimmermann, framed the withdrawal as a moral response to the humanitarian toll in Gaza.
- France’s foreign minister opposed the boycotts and welcomed Israel’s inclusion, saying France would not support cultural blacklists.
- Eurovision 2026 is set for Vienna with semifinals on May 12 and 14 and the final on May 16, while additional broadcasters are reviewing their plans, according to local reports.