Iceland Joins Boycott of Eurovision 2026 Amid Controversy

Thu Dec 11 2025 01:26:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iceland announces its boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in protest against Israel's participation, citing public disunity and ongoing tensions.

Iceland has officially declared it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining four other countries in a boycott sparked by Israel's confirmed participation. The Icelandic broadcaster, RÚV, highlighted a lack of support from its stakeholders and concerns over the integrity of the contest amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the competition was officially confirmed last week.

The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV) has decided not to participate in the Eurovision song contest in Vienna, Austria, next year, a statement said after an RÚV board meeting on Wednesday.

Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.

The board meeting came hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join what's supposed to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the song contest next May.

Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to announce its decision.

Israel's presence at Eurovision has been an increasing source of tension due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising concerns about influence over the public vote and campaigning. Despite new measures aimed at protecting voting integrity approved at a recent EBU summit, RÚV expressed dissatisfaction with the adequacy of these changes.

RÚV stated it received significant opposition from various Icelandic stakeholders, stating, Public opinion in Iceland means the country's participation would neither be a source of joy nor peace. This sentiment led them to withdraw from the competition.

With Spain and others making similar decisions, the future participation of Israel at Eurovision has been brought into question, impacting the contest's reputation as it approaches its 70th anniversary.