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170 Belgian artists denounce Eurovision 2026 participation

A collective of 170 Belgian artists and cultural personalities has denounced public broadcaster RTBF’s decision to take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest as Israel is set to compete despite “its war of extermination” in Gaza.

Culture news

Hundreds of musicians urge Live Nation to drop operations in Israel

"We can no longer allow our music to be used to artwash apartheid, genocide or oppression against any people," a new open letter reads – with signatories including Massive Attack and Brian Eno.

Culture news

Eurovision 2026: Palestinian flags and booing will not be censored

Austrian public broadcaster ORF, host of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, has confirmed it will not prohibit the Palestinian flag or drown out any booing aimed at Israel's performance. "Our task is to show things as they are."

Culture news

Ireland’s Eurovision winner joins Nemo in returning winners' trophy

Eurovision Song Contest winner Charlie McGettigan joins last year's winner Nemo in returning their winners’ trophy. This is in protest at Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.

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Culture news

Eurovision champion Nemo returns trophy to protest Israel's inclusion

The contest, which turns 70 in 2026, strives to put pop before politics, but has repeatedly been embroiled in world events.

Culture news

Eurovision crisis: Is Portugal’s 2026 entry at risk?

"We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights," the Portuguese artists said in a joint statement, referencing Israel's actions in Gaza -which an independent United Nations inquiry found to be a genocide.

Culture news

Iceland to boycott 2026 Eurovision over Israel's participation

The announcement from RÚV comes a week after four other countries announced they were pulling out of next year's Eurovision in protest against Israel’s participation.

Culture news

Eurovision 2026 crisis: Israel kept in - Who’s out and what next?

The organizers of next year's Eurovision Song Contest announced they were allowing Israel to compete. This drew quick announcements of withdrawals from several European countries critical of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Here's everything you need to know and what might be next for Eurovision 2026.

Switzerland

Four countries boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to take part

The contest, whose 70th edition is scheduled for Vienna in May, pits acts from dozens of nations against one another for the continent's musical crown.

Culture news

Eurovision members debate Israeli boycott – will there be a vote?

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting today. Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten boycott next year’s event in Austria.

Europe Today

Watch: Eurovision 2026 — the sound of music? Not for everyone

The 2026 edition of Eurovision is facing a historic meltdown, with some countries threatening to boycott the party.

Europe Today

Europe Today: NATO meeting, European job quality, Macron in China and Eurovision Song Contest

Tune in to Euronews' new flagship morning programme, Europe Today, at 8 am Brussels time. In just 15 minutes, we get you up to speed on the biggest news taking place across the continent.

Culture news

Spain's Eurovision boycott: RTVE president reaffirms veto on Israel

After weeks of moves by delegations such as the Austrian delegacy, which is pushing to keep the country accused of perpetrating genocide at Eurovision, José Pablo López has reiterated RTVE's initial position: it's either Spain or Israel for Eurovision 2026.

Culture news

What are Eurovision's new rules after Israel 'interference’ claims?

Eurovision is changing its voting system, following allegations of "interference" by Israel's government this year. Key changes include a cap on audience voting, the return of professional juries to the semi-finals, clearer rules around promotion of artists, and enhanced security safeguards.

Culture news

Explained: Why is Canada pushing to join Eurovision?

Canada is exploring the possibility of joining Eurovision, something officials say reflects the country's effort to assert its cultural independence and deepen ties with Europe. The EBU has confirmed early talks are underway, but no decision has been made.

Culture news

Eurovision delays vote over Israel's participation in song contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has pushed to December a vote planned for next month over Israel's Eurovision participation after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Culture news

Could Austria refuse to host 2026 Eurovision if Israel is frozen out?

Israel has been a participant in Eurovision, established after World War II to provide a forum for peaceful competition among nations, since 1973.

Culture news

German chancellor threatens to boycott Eurovision if Israel excluded

Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that if Israel is excluded from Eurovision 2026, Germany will not take part.

Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? Have centrist politicians gotten lazy and complacen

In this edition, we ask if Trumps' America is triggering a new wave of polarisation in Europe and hear how the EU is struggling to keep up with climate targets.

Culture news

Eurovision 2026: Broadcasters to vote on excluding Israel in November

Amid growing pressure from European nations calling for Israel to be excluded due to the war in Gaza, the EBU has announced an extraordinary meeting will take place in November, during which an online vote will decide whether Israel gets to go to Eurovision 2026.