BBC weighs Eurovision participation as boycott threats mount over Israel's entry

The BBC is reviewing its participation in the next Eurovision Song Contest as several European broadcasters threaten to boycott the event if Israel is allowed to compete. The European Broadcasting Union said decisions on entries rest with individual countries, and members have until mid-December to announce their stance. The contest is slated to be hosted in Vienna in 2026.

Broadcasters in the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia have publicly signaled they may pull out in protest of Israel's military offensive in Gaza, according to reports. The BBC confirmed it is conducting a review, with director-general Tim Davie stating the EBU is assessing what assurances are needed and who can participate, and that the BBC will let them do their work before making a final decision. "Well, what we're doing very specifically on Eurovision is the European Broadcasting Union hosts Eurovision, they are doing a review on what is the right position in terms of entries that come from broadcasters – what assurances do they need and who can compete, and we're going to let them do their work, and then make a decision," Davie told The Mirror. Davie had previously said the competition had "never been about politics" but stressed the BBC is "very aware of the concerns." The Mirror also cited the ongoing process as part of the national broadcaster's calculus ahead of the mid-December deadline.

Davie said earlier this week that Eurovision had "never been about politics," but he stressed the BBC was "very aware of the concerns" raised by partners and audiences alike. His comments came as the BBC faces pressure to clarify whether it will participate at a contest that previously has been framed as apolitical, despite mounting geopolitical tensions surrounding the Gaza crisis. The BBC is a major funder of the EBU and, as a member of the so-called Big Five, is guaranteed a place in the final regardless of pre-qualifying rounds.

Meanwhile, voices inside and outside Ireland have urged action. Phil Coulter, the musician and songwriter who co-wrote Ireland's 1967 Eurovision-winning entry Puppet on a String, told BBC Radio that he is "100 percent behind" Ireland's public broadcaster RTÉ in contemplating a boycott if Israel competes. He said allowing Israel to participate would amount to a "double standard" given Russia and Belarus were previously excluded, and he urged the EBU to avoid normalising the Gaza situation. "We musicians, songwriters, performers, are human beings with consciences and with our conscience still very alert. It’s not a question of disapproval, it’s a question of absolute disgust," Coulter said. He added that withdrawing from the contest would be the only sensible step if Israel is allowed to perform. Former Irish winner Dana said she was torn over RTÉ's move but supported the stance, arguing for a space where ordinary fans could engage without political pressure.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest saw Austria crowned with JJ’s Wasted Love, while Israel’s Yuval Raphael—an October 7 survivor—finished runner-up with New Day Will Rise. Raphael was booed by pro-Palestinian supporters in the crowd, underscoring the event’s ongoing political sensitivities even as it aims to remain an apolitical festival of music.

The BBC’s decision will carry weight for other national broadcasters weighing similar moves, given the UK’s financial contribution to the EBU and its Big Five status, which guarantees a final slot. The EBU has repeatedly said it allows member countries to determine their participation independently, and it has encouraged dialogue among broadcasters to resolve concerns. As mid-December nears, the BBC and other national networks are expected to decide whether to participate next year, with the Vienna-hosted 2026 contest looming as the next milestone in a complex, politically charged debate.