Iceland Joins European Nations Boycotting Eurovision 2026 Over Israel's Participation

Iceland has announced it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the fifth European country to withdraw over Israel's inclusion in the event. The decision was confirmed by Iceland's public broadcaster RUV on Wednesday, following the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) clearance of Israel's participation. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia had previously pulled out in protest, citing Israel's conduct in the Gaza war. RUV's Director General, Stefan Eiriksson, stated that public debate and reactions to the EBU's decision made it clear that Iceland's participation would not bring joy or peace. Iceland had sought a vote on Israel's participation, but the EBU opted to introduce new rules instead to discourage government influence on the contest. Iceland has never won Eurovision but came second in 1999 and 2009. The event, established in 1956, attracts around 160 million viewers globally.