On Thursday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, held a summit with participating broadcasters at its headquarters in Geneva. The meeting was under great pressure, because there are sharp divisions within the EBU over whether or not Israel should participate.
In mid-September, the Dutch broadcaster AvroTros, together with several other European broadcasters, indicated that the serious humanitarian suffering in Gaza, the suppression of press freedom and the political interference during the last edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, “are not compatible with values that are fundamental to us.”
1What exactly was decided in Geneva?
When the EBU suddenly decided on Thursday that a vote on Israeli participation was no longer necessary, the Netherlands withdrew. “Culture connects, but not at all costs,” AvroTros director Taco Zimmerman said in a statement. “What happened last year touches our borders. Universal values such as humanity and a free press have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable for us. In addition, last year’s political interference showed that the independence and unifying nature of the Eurovision Song Contest can no longer be taken for granted.”
2Which other countries are withdrawing?
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia also immediately sent out press releases announcing that they would no longer participate. The withdrawal of Spain (one of The Big Five – major financial backers of the Eurovision Song Contest, thus guaranteeing a place in the final) and multiple winner Ireland are symbolically important. According to Spain, distrust towards the organization of the festival has only increased. “If we excluded Russia after their attack on Ukraine, the same rule should apply to Israel,” Slovenia said. Belgium also thought about a boycott. But it still participates “without looking away,” the French-speaking-Belgian public broadcaster RTBF said on Friday afternoon. Iceland is still under discussion.
The EBU estimated on Thursday evening that a total of 35 countries will participate in the 70th edition in Vienna. “We strongly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest should not become political theater,” said EBU director Martin Green. “There must remain some form of neutrality.” He called the meeting a “frank and quite moving debate.” And: “I hope that the broadcasters that are not there will return in 2027.”
3But wait, wasn’t this always a cheerful, glazed music party?
Certainly. But the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest in all its glitter and extravaganza is a ‘non-political’ event has been an illusion for a long time. No edition without geopolitics. Russia has not been welcome since 2022, this year it organized the Intervision Song Contest in Moscow, which was won by Vietnam. There were sympathy votes for Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest. The favor factor of the Balkan countries. Friendly countries that voted for each other. And so on.
Eurovision 2024 was an extremely charged and turbulent edition in Malmö, Sweden: high political tension surrounding Israel’s participation, hassle behind the scenes, demonstrations everywhere, an increased threat level in the city and artist protests. This year’s edition in Basel was quieter, but was still under pressure due to the participation of Israel, and again there were protests and boos in the audience. However, attention to the well-being of artists had improved.
Afterwards, the EBU had to admit that there had been political interference. Israel had won the televoting by an overwhelming number of votes – after a vigorous government-funded campaign on social media platforms. . A voting round on new voting conditions to prevent campaigns, influence peddling and government interference was successful yesterday.
4What are the reactions like?
Divided. Singer Lenny Kuhr, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969, told NOS that she thought it was unfair that the Netherlands had withdrawn. “The Eurovision Song Contest is part of our culture. It is a decision that we may regret later. Songs can touch you more than political speeches, certainly more than the foolish political speech of the AvroTros.” The considerations have been carefully made, says Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas. He does hope that we will be back in 2027. “The Eurovision Song Contest has attracted many young people in recent years and has proven to be an ‘international springboard’ for young musical talent.”
Israel reacts happily. According to President Isaac Herzog, “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage in the world.” Former Israeli winner Dana International calls the boycott of the four countries “violent and insulting”, which only contributes to hatred.
5Have there been more boycotts?
Yes, albeit on a smaller scale. Some countries did not participate for only one or a few years. Like Austria in 2006: a protest against songs in a non-existent language. Or due to a lack of public interest (Italy in 1981). Tensions between Greece and Turkey rose after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, causing both countries to withdraw. In 2013, Turkey withdrew due to changes in the voting system; it later turned out that “someone like the bearded Austrian wore a skirt” for a reason.
6Did the Netherlands actually already have a candidate?
Certainly. The entire selection process has been completed and the candidate would be announced this month. Cornald Maas: “But because the Netherlands is not participating, choosing a winner is not an option and we will not announce a winner.” Singer Davina Michelle seemed to be the most important Dutch candidate. Since she performed a spectacular intermission act in Rotterdam in 2021, she has been seen as a major contender. The names of Flemming, Zoë Livay and Luna were also bandied about. Participating countries must submit their song to the EBU by March 9, 2026.
7Will the seventieth edition of the Eurovision Song Contest be broadcast soon?
Yes, NOS Evenementen and NTR will broadcast on NPO1. “After extensive deliberation, it has been decided to join forces and report on the Eurovision Song Contest from an independent and neutral role,” reports the NPO.
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