Overview
- Iceland’s public broadcaster RÚV voted to pull out of ESC 2026, saying participation would bring neither joy nor peace given the dispute over Israel’s inclusion.
- Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have already announced they will not take part, with other countries still weighing their stance.
- EBU members in Geneva adopted procedural rule changes and did not hold an exclusion vote, effectively clearing Israel to compete in Vienna next May.
- ESC director Martin Green issued an open letter acknowledging fans’ concerns and pledging to enforce contest rules, warning that breaches will be publicly called out.
- Swiss 2024 winner Nemo said on Instagram they will return their trophy in protest, as national preparations continue, including Germany’s SWR-led final on February 28 for the Vienna contest from May 12–16.