Millions of fans across Europe and Australia are eagerly awaiting the Eurovision Song Contest this month, hoping their country’s act will bring home the coveted trophy. However, this year’s event will be notably different as five countries have decided not to participate.
The decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest. The Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation behind the event, has faced pressure to ban Israel from competing in both 2024 and 2025 due to the conflict in Gaza. Despite the controversy, the contests proceeded as planned, but with significant backlash from some participants and viewers.
Artists, including the UK’s 2025 entrant Olly Alexander, have faced pressure to withdraw from the competition, while ratings have declined as many long-time fans have chosen to boycott the event.
Last year, Austria won the contest and is therefore hosting this year’s event. However, Israel’s entry, Yuval Raphael, came out on top in the public vote. This result later sparked scrutiny after reports emerged that an Israeli government agency funded an online campaign to promote the act.
So what is happening this year? Here are the countries whose broadcasters have withdrawn, along with their reasons:
Spain
As one of the ‘Big 5’ nations, Spain is always guaranteed a place in the final due to its substantial financial contributions to Eurovision. However, in September last year, Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE’s board voted to withdraw from the competition if Israel was allowed to take part.
RTVE president José Pablo López stated: “As joint organisers of the Eurovision song contest, we share a collective responsibility. While Israel has regularly participated in the competition, the current events and the genocide currently taking place make it impossible for us to look the other way.”
He added that Eurovision is not merely an apolitical music festival, and the Israeli government is aware of the political implications of the event.
Israel has consistently denied allegations of committing genocide in Gaza. A UN investigation in September 2025 found that Israel had “flagrantly disregarded” international law and “orchestrated a genocidal campaign” for almost two years.
Iceland
Iceland’s RÚV was the last broadcaster to announce its withdrawal from the contest. The EBU set a December 2025 deadline for broadcasters to decide whether they would participate or not.
RÚV stated: “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.” It also mentioned concerns raised by Icelandic stakeholders, such as artist associations and the general public, who were opposed to participation.
The statement also referenced the precedent set when Russia was banned from Eurovision after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, adding that RÚV had requested the EBU to exclude KAN from the contest accordingly.
Ireland
Irish broadcaster RTE announced in September last year that it would not take part in the contest if Israel was allowed to send an act. This decision was praised by the Taoiseach.
RTE stated: “RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTE is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”
Israel has denied targeting journalists in Gaza. Taoiseach Micheal Martin described the decision as “an act of solidarity,” emphasizing the need for peace and Ireland’s role in the peace process.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands’ broadcaster AVROTROS joined the growing list of those boycotting the contest in September last year. It cited “the ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza” and expressed concern over the erosion of press freedom.
Israel has restricted foreign journalists’ access to Gaza, allowing them to enter only on a limited number of occasions, often under the supervision of the Israeli Defence Force. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that at least 235 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed since October 7 2023.
Slovenia
Slovenia’s national broadcaster has not only pulled out of Eurovision but is also refusing to air the contest. RTV Slovenia director Ksenija Horvat told The Associated Press that the broadcaster would instead air the film series Voices of Palestine, featuring Palestinian documentaries and feature films.
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