Iceland Joins Boycott of 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

Thu Dec 11 2025 10:03:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iceland has officially joined a growing list of countries boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest due to tensions surrounding Israel's participation.

Iceland becomes the fifth nation to announce its boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, following Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. The decision comes after the confirmation of Israel's participation, which has sparked controversy amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Icelandic broadcaster RÚV highlighted concerns about disunity and the event's integrity, acknowledging public opposition to participation. While Iceland's departure raises questions about the contest's future, Poland has confirmed its participation, emphasizing the importance of music despite the surrounding tensions.

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All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.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 indicated that Israel's participation had created disunity among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.

The broadcaster's board made the decision following a meeting held just hours before the deadline for countries to confirm participation in what is billed as a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May.

Eurovision director Martin Green expressed respect for the decisions of broadcasters opting out and hopes to see them return in the future.

Israel's presence at Eurovision has become increasingly controversial amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, with accusations concerning its influence on the public vote during the 2025 event.

While many countries accepted new measures designed to ensure voting integrity, RÚV retained doubts about their efficacy. They had previously urged the EBU to bar Israel from the 2026 contest, highlighting concerns from various Icelandic stakeholders regarding participation.

In contrast, Poland announced its commitment to the upcoming contest, affirming its belief that Eurovision can still be a purely musical space despite the contentious environment.