- November 5, 2025
- 11:40 am
- World News
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has not yet begun, but tensions are already running high.
Before the anniversary 70th season, the atmosphere around the show has become one of the most intense in the history of the project.
Several European countries have stated that they are ready to withdraw from participation if Israel takes the stage. Meanwhile, three countries that previously took a break have announced their return to the contest.
Where and when the contest will take place
The Eurovision 2026 final will be held in Vienna — Austria received the right to host the large-scale show after the victory of performer JJ with the song Wasted Love in 2025.
Venues and dates:
semi-finals — May 12 and 14
grand final — May 16
arena — Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor hall
The anniversary slogan is “United by Music”, but in practice, the continent today is divided not by melodies, but by political positions.
Who is against Israel’s participation
After events in the Middle East, a number of countries have advocated for Israel’s exclusion, drawing parallels with the decision to ban Russia and Belarus after the start of the war against Ukraine.
Among the countries supporting the boycott, the media names:
Ireland
Slovenia
Netherlands
Spain
Iceland
Activists are holding rallies, urging national broadcasters to withdraw from participation if Israel’s admission is maintained. In particular, protests took place outside the building of the Irish channel RTE in Dublin.
Austria and Germany — for Israel’s participation
Vienna, as the host country, has taken an unequivocal position.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker stated that excluding Israel would be a “fatal mistake” and emphasized Austria’s historical responsibility to the Jewish people.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a similar statement, suggesting boycotting the contest itself if Israel is banned from participating.
What is happening in the EBU
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) acknowledged that there is no unified decision within the organization.
An emergency meeting was planned for the fall, but it was canceled after the announcement of a truce in Gaza in October.
The issue is now brought to the winter EBU General Assembly, which will be held in Geneva on December 4–5. It is there that they should decide whether Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026 and in what format.
One possible scenario is participation under a neutral flag.
Financial and organizational dilemma
Austrian broadcaster ORF reported that it is obliged to finance the event even if, due to the decision on Israel, the contest has to be moved to another country. Currently, the costs are estimated at approximately 40 million euros.
Israel does not intend to back down
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation KAN has already announced that the country does not intend to withdraw from participation and will fight for its place on stage.
Awaiting the decision
Until December, Europe lives not with musical intrigues, but with diplomatic ones.
While some are preparing costumes and decorations, others are preparing arguments and appeals.
The answer to the main question — whether Israel will perform — will be heard soon.
And it will determine the form, scale, and possibly the very spirit of the anniversary Eurovision.
