Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists protested this week outside Norway’s national broadcaster offices, demanding withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates in the event to be held in Vienna, Austria.
Not resting: Protesters gathered outside the offices of Norway’s national broadcaster NRK in Oslo and at several other locations across the country, attempting to pressure the channel to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates again this year. Among the organizers were the Palestinian community and the “Activists for Palestine” group. The protests took place ahead of the upcoming EBU assembly next week, originally planned to include a vote on whether Israel should be allowed to take part in the contest amid the ongoing war in Gaza. This vote was removed from the agenda following the current ceasefire.
The Protesters’ Demands and NRK’s Response
According to one of the demonstration’s leaders, NRK represents Norway within the EBU and “can join countries such as Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, that demand Israel’s expulsion as long as it continues occupation and ‘genocide’. The protesters issued three key demands to the national broadcaster:
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To hold the vote regarding Israel’s participation at the EBU assembly on December 5th.
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To vote against participation if the issue is raised.
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To withdraw from the Eurovision contest if Israel is allowed to participate.
The Norwegian national broadcaster NRK responded to the protests, rejecting the demands:
“NRK’s most important mission is to report news. We have a special responsibility in this context. If NRK were to boycott or demand Israel’s expulsion for political reasons, it would harm the credibility of our coverage. NRK is committed to covering the Gaza war independently and impartially, and therefore does not conduct independent foreign policy”.
Said Vibeke Fürst Haugen, Director General of the national broadcaster, in an interview with TV2.
Public Opinion: Norway’s Public Opposes Israel’s Psrticipation
According to a survey conducted by polling company Norstat for NRK earlier this month, six out of ten Norwegians believe Norway should vote against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 to be held in Vienna, Austria. Opinions in Norway are divided: some believe every country should be free to participate regardless of political circumstances, viewing Eurovision as a cultural rather than diplomatic stage. Others argue that moral boundaries must be drawn, excluding countries involved in military conflicts. Yet, approximately 22% of respondents still support Norway’s continued participation, even if Israel competes.
Charlo Halvorsen, Head of Entertainment at NRK, clarified that public opinion would not influence the broadcaster’s Eurovision policy:
“It’s interesting to see the numbers, but it doesn’t affect our decision”.
He told NRK. NRK stressed that decisions will not be made based on public opinion but according to competition principles and EBU regulations. This aligns with the stance of other nations, including Germany and Austria, that condemn boycott calls, reminding that the contest aims to unite cultures, not divide them.
Implications of Norway’s Decision
Despite boycott efforts from some countries, most leading European broadcasters appear unwilling to yield to political pressure. Many emphasize that Eurovision’s purpose is to foster cultural connection and act as a bridge of art and music between nations – not as a political arena. NRK’s statement serves as a significant signal supporting the contest’s founding principles and, in many ways, represents a moral victory for Israel even before Eurovision begins.
Norway at Eurovision 2025
“Lighter” was the song performed by Kyle Alessandro, who represented Norway in the Eurovision 2025 grand final. Norway finished in 18th place overall with 89 points – 67 points from the audience and 22 points from the juries. In the televote, Norway ranked 12th, while in the jury vote, it reached 23rd place.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Norway’s 64th participation in Eurovision. Norway joined the competition in 1960 and has won three times over the years. Their last win was in Eurovision 2009 with the song “Fairytale” performed by Alexander Rybak.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
