Overview
- At a Geneva assembly on December 4–5, EBU members approved rule changes and concluded no additional vote was needed on Israel’s participation, making Israel eligible for the Vienna contest in May 2026.
- Public broadcasters in Spain (RTVE), the Netherlands (Avrotros), Ireland (RTE) and Slovenia (RTVSLO) said they will not participate, citing the Gaza war and concerns over contest politicization and voting integrity.
- The reforms cut the maximum televotes per payment from 20 to 10, reinstate juries in qualification, and require jurors to sign independence declarations, with measures to deter coordinated or government-backed campaigns.
- France confirmed it will participate and backed Israel’s inclusion, while Germany’s ARD/SWR, Austria’s ORF and the BBC also voiced support; Belgium said it will take part, and Iceland’s RÚV plans a decision next week.
- Event director Martin Green expects roughly 35 participating broadcasters, with the final list due before Christmas, as organizers balance withdrawals against assurances the contest remains operationally viable.