Iceland joins countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel

(Patria) - Iceland will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, the Icelandic public broadcaster RÚV announced yesterday, after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) approved Israel's participation last week.

The EBU's decision has caused a series of withdrawals: Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia have already announced that they will not perform at this year's competition in Vienna, citing Israel's actions in the Gaza war as the reason.

"It is clear from the public debate in this country and the reactions to the EBU's decision last week that there will be neither joy nor peace regarding RÚV's participation," said Director General Stefan Eiriksson in a statement.

Iceland was among the countries that requested a vote on Israel's participation, but the EBU refused to call a vote and instead adopted new rules to, as it states, prevent political influence of governments on the competition.

Iceland has never won Eurovision, but has achieved second place in 1999 and 2009. The competition, which has existed since 1956, is watched by around 160 million viewers worldwide, according to EBU data.