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 follows the recent approval of Israel’s involvement by the European Broadcasting Union, leading to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia withdrawing in protest over Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. However, both Germany and Austria, the host nation, support Israel’s participation.
RUV’s director general, Stefan Eiriksson, stated that the public sentiment in Iceland and the response to the EBU’s ruling indicate a lack of enthusiasm and harmony regarding the country’s involvement in the contest. Iceland had pushed for a vote on Israel’s participation, but the EBU opted not to hold a vote, introducing new regulations to prevent external interference following allegations of vote manipulation by Israel.
Iceland has not clinched a victory in the Eurovision Song Contest but achieved second place in 1999 and 2009. The competition, which began in 1956, attracts approximately 160 million viewers worldwide, according to the EBU.
