Iceland has announced its decision not to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, as confirmed by the country’s public broadcaster, RUV, on Wednesday. This move comes after the European Broadcasting Union gave clearance for Israel’s involvement, leading to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia withdrawing from the competition in protest against Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In contrast, Germany and Austria, the host nation, have voiced their support for Israel’s participation.
RUV’s director general, Stefan Eiriksson, stated that the decision not to partake in the upcoming Eurovision was influenced by the lack of enthusiasm and harmony among the public and the negative response to the EBU’s ruling. Iceland was one of the nations that had requested a vote on Israel’s participation, but the EBU opted against holding a vote and instead implemented new regulations to prevent governments from exerting influence on the contest following allegations of vote manipulation by Israel.
Although Iceland has never clinched a victory in the Eurovision Song Contest, it secured second place in both 1999 and 2009. The prestigious music competition, which has been running since 1956, attracts approximately 160 million viewers worldwide, according to the EBU.
