Iceland Joins Movement Against Eurovision: Boycotts Confirmed by Five Nations

Thu Dec 11 2025 11:03:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a pivotal decision, Iceland has announced its boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. The move comes amid rising tensions over Israel's participation in the contest, driven by political circumstances in the region.

Iceland has become the fifth country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing unresolved tensions surrounding Israel's participation. This decision was announced by the Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, which noted the lack of peace and joy associated with the event under current circumstances. With this decision, Iceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in a boycott that has sparked discussions about the future of the contest as it approaches its 70th anniversary.

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All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.

Stefan Eiriksson, director-general of Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, stated: There is no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now. On that basis, first and foremost, we are stepping back while the situation is as it is. RÚV pointed out that Israel's participation had led to disunity among European Broadcasting Union (EBU) members and the public.

The board of RÚV made this unanimous decision shortly before the deadline for countries to confirm their participation in the upcoming 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision.

Eurovision director Martin Green expressed respect for the broadcasters' decisions to opt-out of the event and looks forward to their return in the future.

Israel's participation continues to be a point of contention relating to the ongoing war in Gaza and allegations of political influence affecting the public voting process in last year's contest. Recent measures aimed at ensuring the integrity of the contest were approved, but concerns remain amongst countries like Iceland regarding their effectiveness.

While Iceland has withdrawn, Poland confirmed it would participate, highlighting a belief in Eurovision's potential to transcend political tensions through music.