Eurovision 2026 Begins Amid Boycotts and Protests
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Vienna on Sunday with a turquoise carpet ceremony, but the usual joy was overshadowed by political tensions and financial concerns. For the first time in the contest's history, several major participating countries have boycotted the event over Israel's inclusion, leading to an unprecedented media blackout and anticipated drops in viewership.
Boycotting Nations and Their Impact
Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland have all withdrawn from the 2026 contest. Spain and the Netherlands are traditionally among the top five financial contributors to Eurovision, while Ireland holds the record for most wins alongside Sweden. The absence of these countries means that their national broadcasters will not air the grand final, depriving millions of viewers of the spectacle. Spanish broadcaster RTVE will instead air its own musical special, while Irish viewers will see the animated film Mummies, and Slovenian audiences will watch programs about Palestine. The Netherlands and Iceland will broadcast the event but have not submitted contestants, further reducing engagement.
According to cultural historian Irving Wolther, the long-term financing of Eurovision is becoming increasingly difficult as public broadcasters face budget cuts across Europe. “In that context, the political rows don’t help, of course,” he said.
Protests and Security Measures
Vienna police expect around 3,000 protesters at a rally on Friday to mark Palestinian Nakba Day, and another 3,000 participants in a march on Saturday under the motto “Solidarity with Palestine.” A counter-demonstration titled “12 points against anti-Zionism – for Israel’s participation at Eurovision” has been registered for 50 to 100 people. The protests highlight the deep divisions caused by Israel’s participation, which critics say violates the contest’s political neutrality rules, especially after Russia was barred in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine.
Viewing Figures and Financial Concerns
The 2025 grand final in Basel attracted a record 166 million viewers globally, but the 2026 edition is expected to see a decline due to the media blackout. Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain together accounted for nearly 5.9 million viewers in 2025, all of whom will not have access to the broadcast this year. The return of Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova after years of absence is unlikely to compensate for the loss.
A survey for the Austrian newspaper Der Standard found that only 26% of respondents agreed that Eurovision “brought Europe more closely together,” while 52% said hosting the event was too expensive for Austria. This sentiment reflects growing skepticism about the contest’s value amid rising costs.
Political Tensions and Song Controversies
The controversy over Israel’s participation escalated after the EBU cleared Israel to compete without a vote from participating broadcasters. This followed years of debate over the country’s inclusion after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. In 2024, Israeli contestant Eden Golan was allowed to compete after changing the lyrics of her song Hurricane, originally titled October Rain, which was deemed too political. In 2025, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Nova festival attack, performed New Day Will Rise, which many interpreted as referencing her trauma.
For 2026, Israel’s entrant Noam Bettan, 28, will perform Michelle. Initial speculation that the song referenced a wounded female soldier proved unfounded; the lyrics describe a “toxic love” relationship. Voting rule changes this year limit the maximum number of votes to 10 per payment route, down from 20, in an effort to curb potential manipulation.
Favorites and British Entry
Bookmakers have Finland’s dramatic ballad Liekinheitin by Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen as the favorite, followed by Greece’s party anthem Ferto by Akylas and Denmark’s Før Vi Går Hjem by Søren Torpegaard Lund. Israel is fifth favorite. The British entry, Look Mum No Computer, is considered a long shot with his song Eins, Zwei, Drei priced at 80/1 by William Hill.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Eurovision director Martin Green has promised a spectacular show that celebrates the contest’s “unique ability to bring people together across borders and generations.” A new app feature will provide archival data for fans. However, the dominant mood in Vienna may be one of nostalgia tinged with sadness, as the political row has driven a wedge between fans and even ended friendships, according to historian Paul Jordan. “Eurovision is meant to be joyous. But this year it feels a little bit sad,” he said.
