RTE Confirms Eurovision Boycott as Ireland Joins Growing List of Withdrawals Over Israel
RTE has confirmed it will not participate in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia in what has become the largest boycott in the competition's history since 1970 -- all in protest at Israel's continued participation.
Ireland's national broadcaster announced its withdrawal after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed Israel's participation in the contest, which is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria. RTE cited deep concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the appalling loss of lives in Gaza, as well as the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory as factors that made participation untenable.
A Historic Boycott
The withdrawals of Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia represent the largest boycott in Eurovision's history since 1970. Spain's withdrawal is particularly significant, as RTVE is one of the Big Five countries -- a major financial contributor to the contest. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that participation cannot be reconciled with the public values that are fundamental to our organisation, while Slovenia's RTV said the decision was made on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza.
Iceland is also considering its position, with its broadcaster RUV scheduled to discuss the matter after its board previously recommended Israel's expulsion from the contest.
The EBU's Response
The EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete was made at its Winter General Assembly in Geneva. Rather than holding a vote on Israel's exclusion, members backed a package of new rules designed to prevent external parties from disproportionately influencing entries and results. EBU director Martin Green described the outcome as an emphatic result by the democratic membership, who have said that they want to protect the neutrality of the competition.
Israel's public broadcaster Kan confirmed its participation, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his country's right to be represented globally, hoping the contest would continue to champion culture, music, friendship, and cross-border understanding.
Ireland's Eurovision Legacy
Ireland holds the record for the most Eurovision victories, having won the contest seven times. The decision to withdraw marks a significant moment for RTE and for Irish cultural life, reflecting the depth of public feeling in Ireland about the conflict in Gaza. The National Union of Journalists and the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign have both welcomed the boycott.
What's Next
The 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna is expected to be overshadowed by protests and political controversy. The growing number of withdrawals raises questions about the long-term future of the competition and the EBU's ability to maintain its claim to political neutrality.
Read RTE's full statement at RTE.
