Iceland has officially joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in boycotting the upcoming 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This collective decision follows the recent confirmation of Israel’s participation, which has sparked controversy and discontent among several nations.
Stefan Eiriksson, the director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, expressed the sentiment that, under the current circumstances, “there is no peace or joy connected to this contest.” He emphasized that the decision to withdraw was made in light of the ongoing struggles linked to Israel’s involvement, which RÚV noted has “created disunity” not only among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) but also within the public.
The decision was ratified by RÚV’s board during an urgent meeting just hours before the deadline for countries to confirm their participation in what was intended to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision set for May. Iceland was said to be the last of the five countries to announce its withdrawal from the competition.
Eurovision director Martin Green acknowledged the decisions made by the broadcasters opting out, expressing hope that they would return in the future. The backdrop to this upheaval includes escalating tensions surrounding Israel’s presence at Eurovision, especially due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and allegations regarding Israel’s attempts to influence voting outcomes in the 2023 event.
In response to these tensions, a series of new measures aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the voting process were approved during an EBU summit held last week. Following these measures, most nations reaffirmed their commitment to participate in the contest, to be held in Vienna.
RÚV’s board had earlier supported a recommendation urging the EBU to prohibit Israel from participating in Eurovision 2026. Reports indicate that Iceland, along with six other countries, sought a vote at the EBU general meeting regarding Israel’s inclusion, a request that was ultimately denied. Instead, Israel’s fate in the competition was linked to the adoption of new regulations regarding voting and campaigning.
The decision by these countries to withdraw showcases a significant stand regarding the political implications of international competitions, sparking a dialogue about the intersection of entertainment and global affairs.
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