Five Nations Boycott Eurovision Over Israel Amid Vienna Protests

Protesters filled the streets of Vienna on the night of the final, accusing the European Broadcasting Union of applying a double standard. They pointed out that Russia was barred after its invasion of Ukraine, while Israel remains allowed despite its ongoing war in Gaza. Demonstrators said the contest normalizes actions they view as genocidal.

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia withdrew their entries and broadcasters refused to telecast the show. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the decision puts Spain on “the right side of history.” Last year’s Eurovision attracted 166 million viewers, and this year’s boycott is the largest ever recorded for the contest.

The boycott highlights growing political pressure on cultural institutions to take stances on international conflicts. It may prompt the European Broadcasting Union to reconsider its eligibility rules for future editions. Observers will watch whether other nations join the protest and how the voting outcome is affected by the absent countries.