Overview
- AVROTROS confirmed the Netherlands will not participate in Vienna 2026 and said it will not carry the broadcast, while NOS and NTR plan to air the shows in the country.
- The EBU decided not to exclude Israel from the contest and Israel signaled it intends to compete, with 31 countries now confirmed for May’s edition in Vienna.
- AVROTROS cited breaches of human dignity and press freedom and alleged political interference linked to Israeli campaigning after months of talks with the EBU, other broadcasters, Amnesty International, the Israeli ambassador and fans.
- Recent EBU voting changes include juries returning in semi‑finals, a cut to 10 televotes per person and tighter limits on third‑party promotion.
- Public response is split, with 47% in a EenVandaag panel backing non‑participation, down from 60% in September, as figures like former winner Lenny Kuhr criticized the withdrawal and fans voiced disappointment.