Sweden's national broadcaster SVT has confirmed it will participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, even as four countries withdraw in protest over Israel's inclusion. The decision follows a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) general assembly on Thursday in Geneva, where new rules were approved but a vote on banning Israel was not held.
Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia announced their withdrawal from the Vienna contest after the EBU confirmed Israel's continued participation. Iceland is currently considering a similar boycott.
The withdrawals represent a significant blow to Eurovision's unity. Spain is one of the "Big Five" largest financial contributors to the contest, while Ireland holds a record seven wins alongside Sweden. The Netherlands and Slovenia add to the growing list of absent broadcasters.
Nordic Countries Confirm Participation
All Nordic public service broadcasters voted in favor of the EBU's proposals. SVT stated: «All Nordic public service companies, NRK in Norway, YLE in Finland, DR in Denmark and RUV in Iceland voted yes to the proposals, which were supported by a majority of EBU members.»
The Swedish broadcaster emphasized that the outcome aligns with its conditions for participation. «This – combined with the result of the vote – is in line with the conditions that SVT has set for participating in Eurovision: A broad European support and a competition that is as apolitical as possible,» SVT said.
Security concerns were addressed directly. «We are also reassured that security is taken very seriously by the EBU as well as the Austrian host ORF. Therefore, SVT will participate in Eurovision next year,» the broadcaster added.
New Rules Target Vote Manipulation
The EBU introduced stricter regulations following concerns about the 2025 contest, where Israeli singer Yuval Raphael finished as runner-up but received the largest number of public votes. Austrian singer JJ ultimately won with "Wasted Love."
SVT outlined the changes: «The new rules mean, among other things, that governments refrain from campaigns, fewer votes per participant and that professional jury panels are once again introduced in the semi-finals. Technical security is also being strengthened to avoid vote fraud.»
The broadcaster stressed the need for ongoing evaluation. «At the same time, it is important to have an ongoing dialogue within the EBU about how the competition can be further developed, which means that the new rules should be evaluated after the competition in May.»
Strong Opposition From Withdrawing Countries
Ireland's RTE took a firm stance against participation. The broadcaster stated: «RTE feels that Ireland's participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.»
RTE also expressed concern for journalists. «RTE remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.»
Slovenia's RTV board chairwoman Natalija Gorsck addressed EBU members before the decision. «For the third year in a row, the public has demanded that we say no to the participation of any country that attacks another country. We must follow European standards for peace and understanding,» she said.
Gorsck referenced journalist access restrictions. «Our journalists were not and still are not allowed to enter Gaza, where more than 200 journalists were killed. Last year we saw that the Israeli performance was political. Don't forget that we banned a similar performance by a Russian singer in Ukraine.»
She concluded: «Our message is, we will not participate in the ESC if Israel is there. On behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza.»
Dutch Broadcaster Cites Core Values
Avrotros chief executive Taco Zimmerman explained the Netherlands' decision. «Universal values like humanity and a free press have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable for us,» he said.
Zimmerman emphasized the broadcaster's responsibility. «We choose the core values of Avrotros and, as a public broadcaster, have the responsibility to remain true to these values, even when that is complicated or vulnerable.»
Despite Avrotros's withdrawal, the Dutch public broadcasting organisation NPO confirmed it will ensure the contest remains available for Dutch viewers.
Support for Israel's Participation
The BBC backed the EBU's decision. A spokesperson stated: «We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU.» The British broadcaster framed it as a matter of rules enforcement. «This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.»
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the outcome. He wrote on X: «Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed.»
Historical Context
Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022 following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, setting a precedent for excluding countries based on military actions. In September, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia had threatened to withdraw unless Israel was excluded over the war in Gaza.
The 2026 contest in Vienna now faces uncertainty about its scope and viewership. Iceland's RUV board will discuss potential withdrawal at an upcoming meeting, having previously agreed to recommend Israel's expulsion. Eurovision typically attracts more than 150 million viewers globally.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
