Overview
- EBU members voted to proceed with a rule package and declined a separate exclusion vote, enabling Israel’s participation in 2026.
- Public broadcasters Avrotros (Netherlands), RTVE (Spain) and RTÉ (Ireland) announced withdrawals in protest, with Spain’s exit notable as a Big Five funder.
- Other broadcasters had warned of possible boycotts and some are still assessing their positions, with the final participant list due before year‑end.
- The reforms reintroduce larger juries in the semifinals, cut the number of public votes per person, restrict promotional campaigning and add technical anti‑manipulation safeguards.
- The contest is scheduled for 12–16 May 2026 in Vienna, and Israel’s president welcomed the decision, saying the country deserves representation on global stages.