The Pop Corporation

Israel’s participation in Eurovision continues to create woes for the song contest organisers as countries boycott the summer event due to take place from May 12th at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.

This of course, feels very much like a problem entirely of the making of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) themselves, given that they’ve stopped the likes of Russia in previous showcases, for their involvement in war.

Of course, Israel are participants not because they’re a European country (although their football teams play in European competitions), but because they’re members of the European Broadcast Union – other non-European countries have participated in years past, and Australia have been granted entry for their love of the show alone.

However, the 2026 competition is looking like it’ll be especially scrutinised, with a number of countries pulling out, saying that Israel’s involvement is the sole reason for this – there’s no sidestepping the issue at hand.

The latest to cause a headache for organisers are Portugal, as 11 of the 16 entrants in their song selection contest – Festival da Canção – have refused to represent their country if they win. A statement has been issued, which declares explicitly that they will decline their invitation at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel’s participation.

“With words and with songs, we act within the possibilities we are given. We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights,” they said.

“Despite Russia’s ban from Eurovision 2022 for political reasons (the invasion of Ukraine), we were surprised to see that the same stance was not taken towards Israel, which, according to the United Nations, is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.”

Previously, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia have confirmed that they will be boycotting the event for the same reasons, and this week, Iceland joined them, saying in a statement that Israel’s participation “has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public,” adding that the event would “neither be a source of joy nor peace.”

Add to this, 70-plus former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter calling for Israel’s expulsion from the competition. The most recent winner – JJ – is included in those names.

This all said, there’s still more Israeli-shaped problems, with other broadcasters pressuring the EBU to change voting rules over ‘third parties’ influencing the position of certain entries “that could influence the voting outcome and, as outlined in the updated Code of Conduct” and “any attempts to unduly influence the results will lead to sanctions,” as well as reducing fan vote influence.

Some of the boycotts aren’t just relating to artist participation, but extend to broadcasting the show at all. 2026, either way you look at it, is going to be one of the most scrutinised Eurovisions in history.

2024’s winner – Nemo – has returned their trophy in protest also, saying that is “a clear conflict” between the Eurovision ideal of “unity, inclusion and dignity for all” and the decision to allow Israel to continue to take part. They added: “Even though I am immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.”

Eurovision‘s director Martin Green has addressed the situation saying “many of you will be feeling strong emotions at this time” focusing on “events in the Middle East and how those realities connect to the Eurovision Song Contest”.

“No one can fail to be moved by what we have seen in the region in the past few years”, he continued, adding something of a missive toward fans who “want us to take a defined position on geo-political events;” “the only way the Eurovision Song Contest can continue to bring people together is by ensuring we are guided by our rules first and foremost”.

What else did anyone expect them to say, honestly?

Addressing those boycotting, he added that the broadcasters “made a decision that was right for them and contributed to the debate with great dignity” and that “all of us here respect their position and decision”, and vowed that the EBU would “continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the Contest soon”.

“In a challenging world we can indeed be United by Music”.

We’ll see about that.