Austria urges Eurovision partners not to boycott Israel participation as BBC weighs 2026 broadcast

Austria's foreign minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Tuesday urged European broadcasters not to boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation, as Vienna prepares to host the 70th edition in May. After winning the most recent competition, Austria is set to welcome participants to the Austrian capital while navigating a dispute that has split broadcasters and publics across Europe.

Austria's bid to stage the contest comes as several countries and their broadcasters have pledged to withdraw from the event to protest the war in Gaza if Israel is allowed to take part. The United Kingdom has not yet decided on a boycott, with BBC director-general Tim Davie reviewing the country’s position. In a letter seen by Reuters, Beate Meinl-Reisinger said a boycott would deepen divisions and could undermine dialogue between artists and the public, without improving the humanitarian situation in Israel and Gaza. "As foreign minister of the host country, I am deeply concerned about the risk of a rift between the members of the European Broadcasting Union on this issue," she wrote. "Such a rift would only deepen the discord and preclude opportunities for important dialogue between artists and the public – without improving the situation on the ground in Israel and Gaza. Excluding Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest or boycotting the event would neither alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza nor contribute to a sustainable political solution."

Spain, one of the so‑called 'Big Five' funders of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said it would not attend if Israel participates. The head of RTVE, Spain's state broadcaster, said, "Current events and the genocide currently taking place make it impossible for us to look the other way." If Israel participates, Spain would miss the final for the first time since 1961. Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have also committed to withdrawing on the same terms. The EBU is expected to reach a final decision on Israel's inclusion at its December meeting. In a statement earlier this month, Eurovision director Martin Green said, "we understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East" but noted the organization was "still consulting" with EBU members on how to manage participation and geopolitical tensions.

In February 2022, the European Broadcasting Union banned Russia from partaking in Eurovision due to its invasion of Ukraine, saying that the inclusion of a Russian entry would bring the contest into disrepute. In retaliation, Vladimir Putin launched his own version of the contest, dubbed Intervision, which is described as a rival event. The Kremlin's anti‑West reboot is expected to feature acts promoted as traditional family values, contrasting with Eurovision's history of LGBTQ+ visibility and diverse performances.

The decision about whether Israel will participate in next year’s Eurovision remains unsettled, with Vienna’s hosting obligation adding to the pressure on organizers to navigate the political tensions surrounding the contest. The EBU’s December meeting will determine whether Israel is allowed to compete, a ruling that will shape the lineup and the scale of the event in Vienna. As the clock ticks toward May, stakeholders on all sides are preparing for a range of outcomes, from a fully contested show to a boycott‑driven withdrawal that could alter the contest’s usual format and reach.