Eurovision is facing increasing withdrawals. Since December 11th, five countries have decided not to compete in next year’s event because the European Broadcasting Union is still allowing Israel to participate. Adding to the controversy, Nemo, the winner of the 2024 contest, is now returning their trophy to show support for the boycotts.
Below, everyone who’s boycotting Eurovision in 2026.
Why did Nemo return their trophy?
Nemo, the Swiss musician who won Eurovision 2024, has given back their trophy because the competition will allow Israel to participate again next year. In an Instagram post on December 11th, Nemo explained that Eurovision promotes unity, inclusion, and respect for everyone, which is why the contest meant so much to them. However, they believe allowing Israel to compete while the UN investigates reports of genocide creates a contradiction with those values and the decisions made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Nemo, the singer who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland with “The Code,” hasn’t changed their message since their winning speech. They expressed hope that the contest would continue to promote peace and respect for everyone worldwide.
Which countries are boycotting?
Iceland has decided to boycott the competition, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia. Iceland’s public broadcaster, RÚV, explained on December 10th that the contest no longer serves its original purpose of uniting the nation. Meanwhile, Poland and other countries hope Eurovision will return to focusing solely on music.
What has Eurovision said in response?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided last week that Israel will be allowed to compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. This came after some broadcasters considered calling for Israel’s exclusion. Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, stated on December 10th that they respect the decisions of any broadcasters choosing not to participate next year and hope they will return in the future. The complete list of participating countries will be released before Christmas.
What has Israel said about the boycotts?
On December 10th, Golan Yochpaz, head of Israel’s broadcasting company KAN, stated that efforts to exclude Israel from the competition amount to a cultural boycott. He warned that while this boycott may start with Israel, its consequences are unpredictable and could negatively impact others, questioning whether this is how the 70th anniversary of the contest should be remembered. The statement followed an open letter signed last year by over 70 past Eurovision participants who urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel, citing what they saw as a double standard, as Russia was excluded in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine. The EBU responded by reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and allowing Israel to continue participating.
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2025-12-12 02:54