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EBU Postpones Israel Decision, Scraps November Eurovision Vote for December Debate

The shift follows the Gaza ceasefire, leaving broadcasters uncertain over a possible vote.

A logo of the Eurovision Song Contest is seen in front of the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse//File Photo
People cheer as they watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest finals being screened at a community center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 17, 2025. Austria's JJ won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on May 18, with his operatic song "Wasted Love" triumphing at the world's biggest live music television event. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel on 357 and Estonia on 356. (Photo by Maya Levin / AFP)
Image
A demonstration against Israel’s participation in Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, May 11, 2024 (photo by Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg for Sipa via AP).

Overview

  • The European Broadcasting Union canceled a planned November online vote on Israel’s participation and moved the issue to an in-person Winter General Assembly in December.
  • Organisers cited “recent developments in the Middle East” for the change and have not clarified whether a formal vote on KAN’s participation will occur.
  • Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have threatened to withdraw if Israel competes, with Spain’s position notable as a Big Five funder.
  • Austria’s host broadcaster ORF welcomed the delay as Vienna urges participants not to boycott, and German officials criticized efforts to politicize the contest.
  • The procedural pause coincided with a ceasefire that saw remaining living Israeli hostages freed and Palestinian detainees released, adding volatility to planning for the 2026 event in Vienna.