AVOTROS, the Dutch broadcaster, announced on Friday that the Netherlands will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest next year if Israel participates, due to the “ongoing severe human suffering in Gaza”.
The Netherlands joins a growing list of European countries, including Ireland and Spain, threatening to withdraw from the event set to take place in Vienna.
Ireland’s RTE stated, “Ireland will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is part of it,” emphasizing that Ireland’s involvement would be “unconscionable given the ongoing tragic loss of life in Gaza.” Ireland, the nation with the most Eurovision wins, has secured victory seven times.
The final decision will be made once the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issues a ruling after member concerns were raised at a July general assembly.
In May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suggested excluding Israel from future contests, noting, “Israel should not be allowed, as we cannot tolerate double standards in cultural events,” referencing Russia’s exclusion since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Eurovision is organized by the EBU in collaboration with national public service broadcasters like RTE in over 35 countries.
