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51m ago

EBU Clears Israel for Eurovision 2026 as Spain, Ireland, Netherlands and Slovenia Boycott

The EBU chose to tighten voting and promotion rules instead of holding a ballot on Israel’s eligibility.

FILE - Singer Yuval Raphael, from Israel, holds the national flag during a dress rehearsal for the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, May 16, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
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Overview

  • At the Geneva general assembly, members declined a separate vote on Israel and approved new safeguards by roughly a 65% margin, enabling Israel’s entry in Vienna.
  • Public broadcasters in Ireland (RTÉ), Spain (RTVE), the Netherlands (AVROTROS) and Slovenia (RTV SLO) said they will withdraw, with Ireland and Spain also not broadcasting the shows.
  • The reforms cut the televote cap from 20 to 10, reintroduce and expand juries in the semi-finals, and restrict government or third-party promotional campaigns.
  • Supporters including the BBC and several Nordic broadcasters said they will proceed under the revised rules, citing enforcement of EBU processes and inclusivity.
  • Spain’s exit as a Big Five funder heightens financial and logistical uncertainty for the 70th contest in Vienna, with the EBU set to publish the final participation list before Christmas.