Overview
- Nemo, Switzerland’s 2024 winner, says the contest’s values no longer align with decisions and cites a UN inquiry alleging possible genocide in Gaza as he sends back the trophy to the EBU in Geneva.
- The EBU cleared a path for Israel to compete in 2026 by not putting the participation question to a membership vote earlier this month.
- Public broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland have announced they will not take part in Vienna in response to Israel’s inclusion.
- ESC director Martin Green acknowledges viewers’ anger and defends the contest’s purpose as a unifying, inclusive space, even as ORF continues planning with outcomes still uncertain.
- Germany’s CSU leader Markus Söder floated the idea of Berlin withdrawing as boycott debates intensify, saying Germany stands with Israel.