Ireland, Slovenia reiterate threat to boycott Eurovision 2026 if 'Israel' remains

• Ireland reaffirmed its position that it will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if 'Israel' participates.
• Slovenia also reiterated that it will not join the contest should 'Israel' remain included.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has unveiled wide-ranging reforms to the Eurovision Song Contest’s voting rules for 2026, but two member states, Ireland and Slovenia, have used the moment to reaffirm their firm positions on participation should 'Israel' remain in the competition.

The updated rules, announced ahead of Vienna hosting the contest next May, introduce stricter guidelines on voting, jury composition, and promotional activity. But despite the significant overhaul, the question of 'Israel’s' participation continues to dominate discussions among several broadcasters.

- Ireland reiterates its stance -

RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, immediately restated its earlier position following the announcement.

In September, the broadcaster made clear that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 contest if 'Israel' remains a participant. That position has not changed.

Responding to the newly announced rules, an RTÉ spokesperson said, “Clearly events in the Middle East are unfolding day by day. As previously confirmed by the EBU, the issue of participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been included on the agenda of the EBU Executive Board's ordinary Winter General Assembly, which will take place in December.”

RTÉ emphasized that it will make a final decision only after the EBU clarifies 'Israel’s' status following the assembly. The full list of participating countries is expected before Christmas.

- Slovenia restates its refusal as well -

Slovenia also reiterated its long-standing position. RTV Slovenia is among the broadcasters that have openly stated they will not participate if 'Israel' is included.

The broadcaster has repeatedly emphasized that its objection is not only political but rooted in a demand for transparency and fairness within the competition, particularly regarding concerns over promotional practices and voting influence in recent years.

RTV Slovenia’s stance remains unchanged despite the EBU’s introduction of reforms such as the return of juries to the semi-finals, stricter limits on televoting, and a ban on government-sponsored promotional campaigns.

- EBU stresses neutrality amid ongoing pressure -

Martin Green, the newly appointed Eurovision Director, said the changes are part of a broad effort to restore trust in Eurovision.

“The contest must remain a neutral space and must not be abused,” he said. “These measures are designed to keep the focus where it belongs, on music, creativity and connection.”

However, while the reforms address structural concerns, they do not resolve the growing divide over 'Israel’s' participation. The EBU stated the issue will be addressed directly at the Winter General Assembly in December, a meeting that now carries heightened significance as broadcasters like Ireland and Slovenia wait for clarity.