The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) faces a significant credibility crisis as four national broadcasters—Spain (RTVE), Ireland, Slovenia (RTVSLO), and the Netherlands—have declared their withdrawal from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. This collective boycott stems directly from the EBU’s controversial decision to permit Israel’s participation amidst ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The dispute reached a critical point during the EBU’s General Assembly on Thursday, where eight member nations, led by Spain’s RTVE, formally requested a secret ballot to vote on Israel’s exclusion. The motion was ultimately denied, with the EBU stating a ‘large majority of members’ agreed no further vote was necessary. The assembly instead approved new contest safeguards aimed at preventing vote manipulation and limiting disproportionate promotional campaigns, particularly those supported by governments or third parties.
National broadcasters issued strong statements condemning the decision. RTVE expressed ‘distrust of the festival’s organisation,’ citing ‘political pressure’ and Israel’s alleged use of the contest for political purposes. RTVSLO stated participation ‘would conflict with its values of peace, equality and respect.’ In contrast, broadcasters from the United Kingdom and Germany confirmed they would continue their participation.
The controversy is intensified by the context of the previous contest. Israel’s 2024 entry, Yuav Raphael—a survivor of the October 7th Nova festival attack—finished second amid widespread allegations of vote manipulation during the public voting round, prompting RTVE to request an official audit. In response to these allegations and mounting boycott pressure, the EBU has enacted new rules, reducing the maximum number of votes per payment method from 20 to 10.
The 2026 edition, marking the contest’s 70th anniversary, is scheduled to be held in Vienna following Austria’s victory this year. The final assembly vote saw 65% of delegates approve the new rules and end discussion on Israel’s participation, while 23% voted against and 10% abstained, highlighting a deeply divided membership.