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icelandGermany’s national broadcaster said on Wednesday it would boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest over its participation in israelJoined four other countries in the walkout of the pan-continental music competition.
spainNetherlands, ireland and slovenia told European Broadcasting Union Last week he said he would not compete in the competition in Vienna in May because organizers refused to expel Israel over its hostilities against Hamas in Gaza.
The board of Iceland’s RUV met on Wednesday to take the decision.
Upon its conclusion the broadcaster said in a statement that “Given the public debate in this country… it is clear that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RUV’s participation in Eurovision. It is therefore RUV’s conclusion to inform the EBU today that RUV will not participate in Eurovision next year.”
The walkout has cast doubt on the future of a feel-good cultural party, dealing a blow to fans, broadcasters and the competition’s finances.
The competition, which will turn 70 in 2026, has been affected by the war in Gaza for the past two years, with protests growing outside venues and organizers forced to ban the flying of political flags.
Last week the General Assembly of the EBU – a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries that runs the lavish annual event – met to discuss concerns about Israel’s participation. Members voted to adopt stricter contest voting rules in response to allegations that Israel manipulated the vote in favor of its rivals, but took no action to exclude any broadcaster from the contest.
Wednesday was the last day for national broadcasters to announce whether they planned to participate.
The EBU says the final list of competing countries will be published before Christmas.