Overview
- Iceland’s RÚV confirmed it will not participate, citing disunity over Israeli broadcaster KAN’s presence and saying there would be neither joy nor peace in competing.
- Spain’s RTVE, the Netherlands’ AVROTROS, Ireland’s RTÉ and Slovenia’s RTVSLO had already announced withdrawals following last week’s EBU meeting.
- The EBU general assembly opted for new safeguards against government or third‑party influence on the public vote instead of holding an eligibility vote, confirming Israel’s place in 2026.
- Host broadcaster ORF and the BBC backed Israel’s inclusion as a decision about broadcasters rather than governments, while Poland’s TVP and Belgium’s RTBF said they will participate.
- The EBU said it will publish the final list of competing nations before Christmas, and stated that remaining participants will not pay higher fees due to the walkouts.