Overview
- The European Broadcasting Union canceled a planned November online vote on Israel’s participation and placed the issue on the agenda for an in-person discussion at its December general assembly.
- EBU officials linked the delay to recent Middle East developments, including a Gaza ceasefire and the return of the last surviving Hamas hostages under the first phase of a U.S.-brokered plan.
- Austria’s ORF, set to host Eurovision 2026 in Vienna after JJ’s 2025 victory, welcomed the pause as reports in Austrian media highlighted potential hosting and contractual costs of roughly €40 million if arrangements were upended.
- Several broadcasters and countries, including Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, had threatened to boycott if Israel competes, while German leaders warned against excluding Israel.
- The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it would maintain a boycott stance even with a ceasefire, and coverage indicates December is slated for open debate with no vote yet announced.