Screenshot: SVT
Norwegian national broadcaster confirms: Israel has filed an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union against Felicia following a political statement opposing Israel’s participation
In recent hours, it has been confirmed that the exclusive report by EuroMix Eurovision website from yesterday is accurate: Israel has indeed submitted an official complaint against Sweden’s Eurovision 2026 representative, Felicia. The Norwegian national broadcaster has now confirmed that the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation submitted a formal complaint to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) following the Swedish artist’s statement opposing Israel’s participation in the contest. This development marks a significant step regarding the alleged violation of Eurovision rules by the Swedish performer. The regulations strictly prohibit participants from using the Eurovision platform to promote political messages or target any participating nation.
According to the Norwegian report, the Israeli broadcaster filed the complaint after the Swedish artist publicly stated that in her opinion, Israel should not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU is now expected to review the case and determine whether the remarks breach the regulations of Eurovision 2026. Should the organization decide that a violation occurred, sanctions could be imposed either on the singer or on the Swedish national broadcaster.
EuroMix First Reveals Israel’s Complaint
As reported exclusively yesterday, sources within the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation had already been preparing a formal complaint against Sweden’s representative following her controversial comments regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.
In an official response received from the corporation, it was stated:
“KAN strictly maintains the Eurovision Song Contest outside of any political debate and focuses solely on music”.
The Statement That Ignited the Controversy
The controversy surrounding Eurovision 2026 comes just minutes after Felicia’s victory in the Swedish national selection, Melodifestivalen 2026. The singer was chosen to represent Sweden with the song “My System”.
During an interview with the Swedish daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter, conducted at a press conference immediately following her victory, Felicia was asked about Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. In response, she stated:
“I actually do not think that Israel should participate. That is all. There are many killings happening and therefore I do not think Israel’s participation is justified. It is hard to concentrate on music when there is so much suffering”.
The statement provoked strong reactions among the Israeli public, as it comes from the representative of a participating country in Eurovision 2026 – one that is also considered a strong contender to win.
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The New Rules of the Contest
The discussion around this statement occurs against the backdrop of the EBU’s new code of conduct. On December 10th, 2024, the organization published a series of strict guidelines designed to preserve the apolitical nature of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Among the key clauses in the code are:
- A prohibition on using the Eurovision stage or competition-related activities to promote a political agenda.
- A prohibition on attacking a participating country.
- Maintaining the apolitical nature of the Eurovision Song Contest.
A source familiar with the regulations explains that the rules do not apply solely to performances on the stage itself. According to them, “The code also applies to official activities and interviews related to Eurovision 2026. If it is determined that a violation occurred, sanctions can be applied”.
Concerns of Further Backlash at Eurovision
There are concerns within KAN that Felicia’s statement could create a domino effect among other Eurovision 2026 participants, leading them to express political stances regarding Israel following pressure from various activist groups. Sources involved in the competition’s preparations note that in such a scenario, the corporation may formally appeal to the EBU, demanding the enforcement of the regulations.
Currently, Sweden is ranked sixth in the betting odds to win Eurovision 2026 – a fact that amplifies the attention surrounding the statement.
Sweden at Eurovision 2026:
“My System” is the song that will be performed by the singer Felicia, which will represent Sweden at Eurovision 2026 to be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th and 16th. The song was written by the artist herself Felicia Eriksson, together with Audun Agnar, Emily Harbakk, Julie Bergan and Theresa Rex. This is the first Eurovision entry by all songwriters.
Sweden is currently ranked 6th in the betting odds table.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Sweden’s 65th appearance in the competition. Sweden joined Eurovision in 1958 and has won the contest seven times over the years. The country’s most recent victory came in 2023, when Loreen won with the song “Tattoo”.
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Aviad Berger – Israeli editor, reporter, and content creator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has been working with the EuroMix editorial team for about a year and a half. Since 2024, he has provided continuous Eurovision coverage from the host city, delivering live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Aviad is also a video editor and filmmaker active in the Israeli media industry.
