Eurovision 2026 opens in Vienna as Israel boycott controversy takes over

Eurovision 2026 opened with the contrast its organizers usually try to avoid: the stage show went ahead, while the politics around participation dominated the surrounding conversation. The first semi-final began in Vienna on Tuesday, May 12, opening the contest’s 70th edition amid heightened security and continuing controversy over Israel’s place in the lineup .

Opening night: a contest underway, not a crisis resolved

Vienna staged the first semi-final on May 12, with the second semi-final scheduled for May 14 and the grand final for May 16 . RTÉ reported that the opening took place under heightened security, while AP reported that the host city had been decorated with hearts and Eurovision’s “United by Music” motto as divisions over Israel hung over the event . AP also reported that several pro-Palestinian demonstrations were planned in Vienna during Eurovision week .

Why Israel’s participation triggered withdrawals

The dispute centers on the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to compete despite calls for exclusion over the war in Gaza. At a December EBU general assembly, members agreed there was no need for a further vote on participation and that Eurovision 2026 should proceed with additional safeguards, according to Euronews . The Times of Israel similarly reported that EBU members adopted reforms rather than forcing a referendum on whether to oust Israel .

Several withdrawing broadcasters have framed the decision as unacceptable in light of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Xinhua reported that Spain’s RTVE, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, Ireland’s RTÉ and Slovenia’s RTVSLO announced they would not take part, citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza . Euronews reported that the objections were tied to Israel’s conduct during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with Spain and the Netherlands among those pulling out after organizers allowed Israel to compete .

A recurring criticism is that the EBU is applying inconsistent standards. Amnesty International explicitly compared the decision to keep Israel in Eurovision with the EBU’s suspension of Russia, calling it a case of “blatant double standards” .

Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026?

Several December reports named four withdrawing public broadcasters: RTVE in Spain, AVROTROS in the Netherlands, RTÉ in Ireland and RTVSLO in Slovenia . RTÉ also said it would not broadcast the 2026 contest after the EBU confirmed Israel would be allowed to take part .

Published counts differ slightly by source and timing. On opening day, AP reported five boycotting countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — while other reports focused on the four broadcasters that announced withdrawals after the EBU decision .

Artists and rights groups criticizing the EBU

The boycott pressure has extended beyond national broadcasters. The Independent reported that more than 1,000 artists signed an open letter calling on fans and performers to boycott Eurovision unless the EBU bans Israel; named signatories included Paul Weller, Kneecap, Massive Attack, Paloma Faith and Brian Eno . Middle East Eye also named Macklemore and Sigur Rós among artists backing the call . The Independent reported that the letter was organized by No Music for Genocide and the BDS movement .

Amnesty International issued one of the most prominent rights-group criticisms. Ahead of the semi-finals, Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard called the EBU’s failure to suspend Israel “an act of cowardice” and “an illustration of blatant double standards” compared with Russia . Separately, Anadolu reported that 170 Belgian artists and cultural figures denounced broadcaster RTBF’s decision to participate in Eurovision 2026 alongside Israel .

How the competition is continuing

The official contest schedule is still moving ahead. A total of 35 countries are taking part, with 30 competing through the semi-finals; host Austria and four Big Five countries — the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany — are already guaranteed places in the final . Spain, normally one of the Big Five, is absent because of its broadcaster’s boycott .

Israel is represented by Noam Bettan with the song “Michelle.” JNS reported that Bettan was scheduled to compete in the first semi-final on May 12, with the second semi-final on May 14 and the final on May 16 . Euromix reported that Bettan was set to perform in position 10 in the first semi-final .

The result is a Eurovision week that is proceeding on paper but altered in atmosphere. The semi-finals and final remain on the calendar, yet the 2026 contest is unfolding without several broadcasters, with planned demonstrations in Vienna, and with sustained criticism from artists and human-rights advocates over the EBU’s Israel decision .