Eurovision's future in major jeopardy as Ireland and Spain threaten to pull out
Ireland have joined a number of other countries including Spain and Slovenia threatening to pull out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel take part
Ireland has insisted it will pull out of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, following reports this week that Spain may also withdraw.
Show organisers are said to be in a state of alarm, having extended the usual October deadline for broadcasters to confirm participation to December. A consultant has now been appointed to work with countries on a way forward, and a potential vote on Israel’s involvement is expected.
Management is under pressure, with tickets set to go on sale in December and most nations beginning their singer selection process as early as August.
Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ has made its position clear. A spokesperson said: "At the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in July, a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.
READ MORE: Eurovision announces host city for 2026 as fans divided over location choiceREAD MORE: Princess Andre 'shocked' by mum Katie Price's latest career news after ITV reality show"RTÉ wishes to thank the EBU for the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December.
"It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made.
"RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ 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."
The controversy first emerged in July, when several EBU members raised objections to Israel’s involvement. An extensive consultation followed, giving broadcasters the option to withdraw without penalty.
Ireland, tied with Sweden for the most Eurovision victories with seven wins, last claimed the trophy in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice. While Ireland has struggled in recent years, RTÉ is making a firm humanitarian stand.
Spain has also indicated it may boycott the contest, with Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun expressing concern.
Slovenia’s RTVSLO echoed this stance, stating: "The final decision on the participation of RTV Slovenia at Eurovision 2026 will be adopted at the latest by the adoption of the annual plan.
"By this time, it should be clear whether the EBU will take any decision on Israel’s participation and whether it will take into account the comments of several EBU Member States on the transparency of the vote…if Israel competes in the Eurovision Song Contest - due to the genocide in Gaza – it will not participate in the competition."
The EBU continues discussions with its members to reach a resolution ahead of the competition in Vienna next May.
Austria's capital Vienna will host the 70th edition of the competition next year following JJ's win with hit tune Wasted Love.
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