Several broadcasters pull out of Eurovision over 'Israel’s' inclusion

Broad European broadcasters have boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed the participation of KAN, 'Israel’s' national broadcaster.

Several public broadcasters, including RTVE in Spain, RTÉ in Ireland, AVROTROS in the Netherlands, RTVSLO in Slovenia, and Türkiye Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), condemned the decision and withdrew from the contest in protest. 

At a general assembly in Geneva, EBU members approved reforms to the contest’s voting system, which included reinstating professional juries for the semifinals and reducing the weight of public televoting. However, the assembly did not hold a separate vote on 'Israel’s' inclusion, effectively confirming KAN for Eurovision 2026. 

The EBU stated that the reforms were designed to “reinforce trust and protect [the] neutrality” of the contest. 

Spain’s RTVE announced it would neither broadcast nor participate in Eurovision 2026, criticizing the EBU’s decision-making process as “insufficient” and expressing concern over the contest’s neutrality.

(EFE) The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said that, given the ongoing genocide in Gaza and concerns over human rights and press freedom, continuing participation was no longer consistent with its values.

Ireland’s RTÉ described participation as “unconscionable” in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the loss of civilian lives.

Slovenia’s RTVSLO cited moral opposition, stating that its withdrawal was in respect of the children who have died in Gaza and to uphold the values of peace, equality, and respect.

TRT also voiced strong opposition, with its delegation leaving the EBU meeting in protest. 

Observers have described this coordinated boycott as one of the largest in Eurovision history, highlighting how the contest has become deeply intertwined with geopolitics.