The Eurovision song contest turns 70 this year, but the celebration threatens to be overshadowed by the competition’s biggest ever boycott over the continued inclusion of Israel.
Issued on: 08/05/2026 - 07:27
Modified: 08/05/2026 - 07:28
The 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating two notable milestones – not only is it the event’s 70th birthday, but it also features the lowest number of competing countries in two decades.
Among the delegations gathered in Vienna for the grand final on Saturday, May 16, five competition regulars will be absent, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all boycotting the event over the inclusion of Israel.
