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Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026? See the 5 not taking part this year
The absence of the five broadcasters leaves 35 countries in the field, the smallest Eurovision lineup since 2003.
- Five countries—Iceland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—are boycotting Eurovision 2026, which begins this week in Vienna, Austria, over Israel's participation in the competition.
- Broadcasters cited the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns over erosion of press freedom as reasons for withdrawal, following reports that at least 235 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 2023.
- Spain, one of the 'Big Five' nations, joined the boycott, while Slovenia's national broadcaster RTV Slovenia is refusing to air the contest entirely, opting instead to broadcast Palestinian documentaries.
- Eurovision Director Martin Green stated the Eurovision Broadcasting Union "respects the decision" of broadcasters withdrawing, while 35 countries remain in this year's competition.
- Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle hosts the contest, with semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14, followed by the grand final on Saturday, May 16.
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15 Articles
The Countries Not Competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Thirty-five countries are competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 this week in Vienna, Austria, but which countries won’t we see on stage? Fifty-two countries have competed in the Eurovision Song Contest since it was first held in 1956. This year, thirty-five of those countries will be performing in Basel, leaving fifteen previously competing countries that we will not see on screens. Here’s a look at who won’t be performing at the 70th Eu…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Center
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources are Center
92% Center
C 92%
Factuality
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