Overview

• The European Broadcasting Union confirmed an extraordinary online Assembly in early November to decide Israel’s eligibility for the Vienna contest, citing a need for a broader democratic decision.
• Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have stated they will not send an act if Israel is allowed to compete.
• Belgium, Sweden and Finland have said they are considering a boycott depending on the outcome.
• The Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros justified its stance by alleging serious press‑freedom violations in Gaza and proven interference at the 2025 edition that politicized the event.
• Austria, the 2026 host, and Germany’s culture minister criticized exclusion calls, arguing that barring Israel would undermine Eurovision’s core purpose.