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All five countries have withdrawn after Israel’s participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.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.”
Why? A number of countries choosing not to participate has happened in a lot of Eurovision years. Yes, this year is unusual because they are all not participating for the same reason, but thats the only difference
I feel like one of The Big Five boycotting is a significant difference, but I’m not an expert.
I am an expert. I have 12 PHDs in Eurovision.