Slovenia has become the latest country to pull out of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, joining Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands in a widening boycott triggered by the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to allow Israel to participate.
The country’s national broadcaster, RTV, announced the withdrawal on its website, saying the climate surrounding the contest had become “untenable.” RTV added it could not justify taking part while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.
The move comes after the EBU — facing intense pressure from several member states calling for Israel’s exclusion — opted not to hold a vote on Israel’s eligibility. Instead, the union approved new rules designed to limit undue influence from governments or third parties in promoting entries.
Earlier on Thursday, Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ said it would withdraw and refrain from airing the event, calling participation “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
RTÉ also expressed deep concern over the targeting of journalists in Gaza and the denial of access for international media. Israel has denied deliberately targeting journalists or obstructing humanitarian aid.
Broadcasters in Spain and the Netherlands also confirmed they will boycott the 2026 contest, saying the EBU’s refusal to suspend Israel left them with no choice.
Repercussions from these withdrawals threaten to turn the 2026 contest, scheduled to be hosted in Vienna, into one of the most contested editions in Eurovision history. Broadcasters are expected to finalise their participation decisions by mid-December.
With several long-standing participants now stepping away, the future of Eurovision 2026 is clouded with uncertainty, and the contest risks seeing a dramatically reduced lineup.
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