As the Eurovision Song Contest marks its 70th anniversary with the first semi-final in Vienna on Tuesday evening, Europe’s biggest live television music event is unfolding under the shadow of an unprecedented political boycott over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Issued on: 12/05/2026 - 21:50
Five countries – Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland – have withdrawn from this year’s competition in protest at Israel’s participation, making it the biggest political rupture in Eurovision’s history.
Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have also refused to air the contest this week.
Slovenia’s RTV said it would instead broadcast a themed series called Voices of Palestine, while Ireland’s RTE will show a Eurovision-themed episode of the sitcom Father Ted during Saturday’s final. Spain’s RTVE has opted for its own musical special, The House of Music.
