Overview
- The UER approved a package of contest rule changes and maintained eligibility for all members, confirming Israel can compete in Vienna in 2026.
- Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced boycotts, with Ireland’s RTÉ also saying it will not air the show.
- Belgium’s RTBF said it will decide in the coming days, and Iceland’s RÚV will review participation next week after earlier seeking Israel’s exclusion.
- Germany’s SWR and senior officials backed Israel’s inclusion, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany should withdraw if Israel were barred.
- The voting revisions focus on detecting coordinated or fraudulent ballots after unusually strong public tallies for Israeli acts in 2024 and 2025.