Eurovision 2026: Four Countries Withdraw – Why Sweden Goes Against the Flow?

Eurovision 2026: Four Countries Withdraw – Why Sweden Goes Against the Flow?

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the EBU’s approval of Israel’s participation, four countries withdrew from Eurovision 2026. Yet Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT urges calm and chooses a different path. What led Sweden to stand apart? At the General Assembly of the EBU, held yesterday in Geneva, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 - set to take place this May in Vienna - was officially approved, alongside rule adjustments enabling this decision. Following the announcement, the national broadcasters of Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia declared their withdrawal from the contest. In contrast, Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT announced that it does not intend to withdraw from the upcoming competition. SVT’s Head of Programming, Michael Österlund, stated: “In order for us to participate, we have said that there should be a sufficiently broad European consensus around the competition. We have also said that it should be as apolitical and as independent as possible. Furthermore, it must take place in a safe environment”. Representatives of the national broadcaster...
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“How Will More Hatred and Pain Help?”: Israeli Representatives Respond to the Decision and the Withdrawals

“How Will More Hatred and Pain Help?”: Israeli Representatives Respond to the Decision and the Withdrawals

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Geneva conference shakes the Eurovision community: three former Israeli representatives react for the first time to Israel’s confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, and to the following withdrawals. Netta Barzilai, Yuval Raphael, and Dana International, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest, share for the first time their feelings following the decision that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026, and react to the announcements of withdrawal from Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Dana International to withdrawing countries: "I performed in your countries several times — what changed?" The singer, winner of Eurovision 1998 with the song “Diva”, shared on her Instagram page an emotional post expressing deep frustration and reflection following the conference. She posted in two languages – Hebrew and English – aiming to reach audiences worldwide. Between the two posts, a notable difference emerged. In Hebrew, she focused on the frustration felt by many Israelis and the...
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Denmark: “Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026” Contestants Will Be Revealed on January 22nd!

Denmark: “Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026” Contestants Will Be Revealed on January 22nd!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Danish national broadcaster DR has revealed that the contestants of "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026", will be revealed on Jnauary 22nd. One of them will represent Denmark at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Denmark is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of its "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" in recent years. The national broadcaster, DR, announced today (Friday) that the eight contestants competing in "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" will be revealed on January 22nd, less than a month before the contest, which will take place on February 14th, 2026, in Frederikshavn. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" Format: At the beginning of November, during the annual general meeting of the Danish fan club melodigrandprixfans.dk, Erik Struve Hansen, the head of "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix", shared several new details about the upcoming competition. According to Hansen, this year's national selection will be a modern, renewed, and innovative musical show that introduces...
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Estonia: The Songs for “Eesti Laul 2026” Revealed!

Estonia: The Songs for “Eesti Laul 2026” Revealed!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Listen: The Estonian national broadcaster ERR has revealed today the songs that will compete in “Eesti Laul 2026.” The Estonian entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen on February 14th. The Estonian national broadcaster ERR revealed today (Thursday) the twelve songs competing in “Eesti Laul 2026”, which will take place on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. The winner of the local competition will represent the country at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. A jury of 34 members selected twelve songs to participate in the competition. As in last year’s edition, there will be no semi-finals, and all twelve songs will compete in the grand final to be held on February 14th at Unibet Arena in Tallinn, the same venue that hosted Eurovision 2002. The hosts of "Eesti Laul 2026" will be Karl-Erik Taukar, and Karl Kivastik, known as Korea, a member of Estonian representatives in Eurovision 2024, 5Miinust. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Eesti Laul 2026" Entries: Noep...
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Official: Israel Will Compete in Eurovision 2026!

Official: Israel Will Compete in Eurovision 2026!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The member states of the EBU have made their decision: Israel will compete in Eurovision 2026! Following a tense vote at the 95th conference of the EBU held this evening in Geneva, with member states in attendance, countries approved the changes to the competition’s regulations and thus opted to forgo a separate vote on Israel’s participation. Consequently, Israel will take part in Eurovision 2026! Delegates from participating countries gathered for the semi-annual conference, where Israel’s eligibility was a central topic. During the session, new policies were approved aiming to “reduce disproportionate governmental and external involvement in the voting process.” Spain, Turkey, Slovenia, and Belgium voiced strong opposition to Israel’s participation and called to block its return to the contest. In contrast, Norway supported the updated regulations introduced by the EBU, while Sweden and the United Kingdom maintained a balanced stance - urging all nations to avoid politicizing Eurovision. Germany, Ukraine, and Greece expressed clear support for Israel during the...
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Slovenia Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

Slovenia Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries - The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. The general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union has decided that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026 after rules changes were overwhelmingly approved, with no vote required on Israel’s participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, known for her strong political stance against Israel, told Slovenian media after the meeting: “Slovenia will definitely not take part in Eurovision. It’s certain that Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland will also not participate. Our message is clear: we will not be part of Eurovision if Israel is there. This is in memory of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza.” Slovenia Leaded Calls for Eurovision Boycott Over Israel Slovenia has been one of the most vocal opponents...
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Spain Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Following Israel’s Participation

Spain Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Following Israel’s Participation

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain pulls out of Eurovision 2026 after Israel’s inclusion sparks outrage. RTVE decries “political interference,” ending 64 years of continuous participation. An unprecedented drama unfolded in Spain this evening (Thursday), as the Spanish national broadcaster (RTVE) officially confirmed that the country will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The dramatic announcement came just minutes after the general assembly vote of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva, where 738 members voted in favor of regulatory changes that allow Israel to remain in the contest. Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena, repeatedly conditioning its own participation on Israel’s removal from the competition. Moments before the decisive vote, Spain once again led efforts to block Israel, spearheading a campaign within the assembly against its inclusion - a motion that was not publicly scheduled for debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena,...
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Ireland Joins Boycott: Official Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026

Ireland Joins Boycott: Official Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, which had previously threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participated, officially announces its withdrawal following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Ireland is known for its particularly strained Eurovision relations with Israel. The Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, firmly opposed Israel’s participation along with several other countries and previously declared: “Our position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel continues to compete. The final decision on Ireland’s participation will be made after the EBU’s decision.” Following today’s general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, where the new regulations were decisively approved and no separate vote to exclude Israel was held, Israel’s participation was confirmed and Ireland’s withdrawal officially declared. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Statement from Irish National Broadcaster RTÉ "Following today's EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ's position remains unchanged. RTÉ...
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The Netherlands Officially Withdraws from Eurovision 2026

The Netherlands Officially Withdraws from Eurovision 2026

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dutch national broadcaster has announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2026, following the official confirmation that Israel will participate in the contest. The Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s participation in Eurovision in recent years. The broadcaster had previously declared that it would withdraw if Israel took part in Eurovision 2026, and it has now maintained that position even after the ceasefire. With the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union deciding not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation and approving the contest rules for 2026, the Dutch withdrawal has been made official. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to reports in the Netherlands, AVROTROS had counted on international pressure leading to Israel’s disqualification, and had already selected both its artist and song for 2026 in an advanced process meant to be ready “for any scenario”. Despite these preparations, the Netherlands will not take the Eurovision...
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A Senior EBU Official: “Eurovision Is Dead”

A Senior EBU Official: “Eurovision Is Dead”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A senior EBU official spoke before the discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, describing the tense atmosphere among delegates and outlining the demands of countries opposing Israel’s entry. At these moments, dozens of representatives from across Europe are gathering in Geneva to discuss one question stirring the continent: will Israel compete in Eurovision 2026, or will it be expelled amid growing pressure? Before the discussion, a senior EBU official described in an interview with N12 the tense atmosphere within the venue: “The atmosphere among delegates is grim, and even Israel’s closest allies are expressing frustration. We should never have reached this point. We attempted to offer Israel alternative solutions, but they were rejected. Even if Israel competes in the next Eurovision – the contest is dead. It’s been stained by politics in every possible decision”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The official illustrated a situation where Israel faces criticism from all sides during deliberations. He...
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