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 announcement follows the recent approval of Israel’s participation in the contest by the European Broadcasting Union.
Several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, have chosen to withdraw from the upcoming Eurovision in Vienna in May in protest of Israel’s actions during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. However, Germany and Austria, the host nation, have expressed their support for Israel’s participation in the event.
RUV’s director general, Stefan Eiriksson, stated that the public sentiment in Iceland and the reaction to the EBU’s decision indicate a lack of enthusiasm and harmony regarding the country’s involvement in the contest.
Iceland had previously requested a vote on Israel’s participation, but the EBU decided not to hold a vote on the matter. Instead, the EBU introduced new regulations to prevent governments from influencing the contest, following allegations of vote manipulation in favor of Israel’s contestant.
Although Iceland has never won the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing as a runner-up in 1999 and 2009, the event has a long history dating back to 1956 and attracts approximately 160 million viewers worldwide, according to the EBU.