Eurovision 2026 drama: Finland’s favourites, Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen oppose Israel’s participation moments before the decision, challenging Eurovision’s code of conduct. Unclear how the EBU will respond to the breach.
Minutes ago, the major favourites in “UMK 2026“, the duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, published a rare statement against Israel’s participation in Eurovision – just hours before “UMK 2026” will determine who will represent Finland at Eurovision 2026. At this stage, the two are still not the official representatives, but Finland is ranked first in the Eurovision 2026 betting odds, based on the assessment that the duo will be chosen tonight with the song “Liekinheitin”.
In their announcement, they declared that they oppose allowing Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026, but clarified that if they are selected – they will nonetheless represent Finland. The statement is creating an immediate storm and raises questions about compliance with the official Code of Conduct of the EBU – which could lead to their disqualification.
Statement Against Israel in Eurovision – Hours Before the Decision
This evening, “UMK 2026” will take place, at the end of which the country’s entry will be chosen for Eurovision 2026. Finland is currently ranked first in the betting odds, based on the assumption that Lampenius and Parkkonen will win the ticket to the international stage.
However, a short time ago the two posted a joint message on social media, which read:
“Tonight we are competing for victory in UMK. If we are given the honour of representing Finland at Eurovision, we will do it for music and humanity. We believe the decision to allow Israel to participate in Eurovision is wrong. The events in Palestine are inhumane and deserve condemnation. With love, Linda and Pete”.
This is a direct statement against Israel’s participation in Eurovision, published in the midst of an official process related to the contest – and at a time when the duo is competing for the right to represent Finland in Eurovision.
The EBU’s Code of Conduct – And Fears of a Breach
On December 10th, 2024, the EBU announced a series of new guidelines (Code Of Conduct), following behind-the-scenes frictions between various delegations and the Israeli delegation at Eurovision.
Among the main clauses:
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A prohibition on using the stage, interviews or Eurovision events to promote a political agenda.
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A prohibition on attacking a participating country or expressing a political stance that is not directly related to music.
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Preserving the apolitical nature of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The current statement was not made on the contest stage itself, but it was published on the official national final day and by leading candidates in Eurovision 2026 – which clearly raises questions about compliance with the rules.
A source familiar with the regulations explains:
“The code applies to any official activity related to the contest. If it is determined that there was a violation – sanctions can be imposed”.
YLE Clarified: The Winner May Withdraw – But the Duo Chose to Stay
Earlier this week, Finnish national broadcaster YLE clarified that the UMK winner will be allowed to refuse to participate in Eurovision 2026, even if the reason is opposition to Israel’s participation.
However, the favourite duo is now effectively declaring that if they win – they will represent Finland, while at the same time publicly speaking out against Israel.
The double message – both taking part and protesting – ignites unusual friction even before the identity of the official representative has been decided.
Finland Leads the Betting Odds – And the Storm Grows
As of the last few hours, Finland is ranked first in the betting tables to win Eurovision. If Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen are chosen tonight, they will arrive at the contest as pre-marked frontrunners for victory. Now, the public statement against Israel may turn Finland into a focal point of confrontation even before the official rehearsals of Eurovision 2026 begin.
At this stage, no official response has been issued by the EBU or by the Israeli delegation.
Finland at Eurovision 2025
“Ich Komme” (in English: “I Am Coming”) is the song performed by Erika Vikman, who represented Finland in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final. Finland qualified for the Grand Final after placing third in the second semi-final with 115 points. In the Grand Final, Finland finished 11th with a total of 196 points, placing ninth in the public vote with 108 points and tenth in the jury vote with 88 points.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Finland’s 59th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Finland joined the competition in 1961 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2006, winning the contest with Lordi and their song “Hard Rock Hallelujah”.
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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.
