In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the international music community, Nemo—the groundbreaking non-binary Swiss artist who triumphed at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest—has announced the return of their prestigious award. This dramatic protest comes directly in response to the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) recent confirmation that Israel will retain its eligibility for the 2026 competition despite ongoing humanitarian concerns.
The EBU, governing body of the world’s largest live music event, concluded its general assembly last week by upholding Israel’s participation rights while implementing enhanced voting safeguards. This decision directly contradicts the explicit boycott declarations from five national broadcasters—Spain (RTVE), Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands—who have withdrawn from the next contest in protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Nemo articulated their position through a powerful Instagram statement, acknowledging profound gratitude for the Eurovision experience while condemning the organizational hypocrisy. ‘The contest claims to champion unity, inclusion, and universal dignity,’ the artist wrote, ‘yet Israel’s continued involvement amid UN-recognized genocide investigations creates an irreconcilable moral contradiction.’
The controversy echoes the EBU’s prior expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, a precedent frequently cited by critics including Zoe Lawlor of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who labeled the discrepancy ‘rank hypocrisy.’
Additional scrutiny surrounds last year’s voting process, wherein Israeli entrant Yuav Raphael—a survivor of the October 2023 Nova festival attack—secured second place amid allegations of manipulated public voting. These claims prompted Spain’s formal request for vote audit review and ultimately led to the EBU’s November 21 announcement of strengthened anti-fraud mechanisms.
The 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for May 2026 in Vienna, host city of reigning champion JJ’s victory with ‘Wasted Love.’ Meanwhile, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation maintains its participation commitment despite mounting pressure from pro-Palestine advocates seeking broader European broadcaster boycotts.