Overview
- Iceland’s public broadcaster RÚV formally notified the EBU it will not participate in Vienna, citing a lack of public support for taking part under current conditions.
- Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia had already pulled out after the EBU confirmed Israel’s eligibility at its December 4 general assembly.
- The EBU adopted new safeguards, including tighter televoting limits, curbs on organised campaigning and expanded professional juries in the semi‑finals, while declining a separate vote on Israel’s participation.
- Austria’s ORF, the BBC, Poland’s TVP and Belgium’s RTBF said they will take part and supported proceeding under the revised rules.
- Artist pressure grew as 2024 winner Nemo said they are returning their trophy over Israel’s continued participation, with the EBU set to publish the official lineup before Christmas and around 35 entries expected.