Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.
The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV) has decided not to participate in the Eurovision song contest in Vienna, Austria, next year, a statement said after an RÚV board meeting on Wednesday. Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.
The board meeting came hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join what's supposed to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May. Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to announce its decision.
Israel's presence at Eurovision has been an increasing source of tension, particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about the voting process, including accusations that Israel's government tried to influence public voting at the recent event.
In a statement, the Icelandic broadcaster highlighted ongoing public discontent and insisted that even with new measures to ensure the vote's integrity, there remained substantial doubts about the situation's resolution.
With the deadline passed, it has now been confirmed that Iceland will not participate, reflecting a broader sentiment among several countries in light of the complex political landscape surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV) has decided not to participate in the Eurovision song contest in Vienna, Austria, next year, a statement said after an RÚV board meeting on Wednesday. Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.
The board meeting came hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join what's supposed to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May. Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to announce its decision.
Israel's presence at Eurovision has been an increasing source of tension, particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about the voting process, including accusations that Israel's government tried to influence public voting at the recent event.
In a statement, the Icelandic broadcaster highlighted ongoing public discontent and insisted that even with new measures to ensure the vote's integrity, there remained substantial doubts about the situation's resolution.
With the deadline passed, it has now been confirmed that Iceland will not participate, reflecting a broader sentiment among several countries in light of the complex political landscape surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest.
