Iceland’s national broadcaster RUV has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the fifth country to boycott the event following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to allow Israel to participate.
The announcement comes after Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia all pulled out last week, shortly after a meeting with EBU officials. The meeting had been expected to include a vote on new regulations addressing alleged voting irregularities and mounting criticism over Israel’s war in Gaza. However, organisers later said no vote was required, allowing Israel to remain in the contest.
RUV said its board met Wednesday before deciding not to send an entrant to the competition, which will be held in Vienna.
“The board of RUV had also requested that Israel’s broadcaster, KAN, be excluded from the contest,” the broadcaster said.
RUV added that the current climate made participation untenable. “Given the public debate and the strong reactions to the EBU’s decision, it is clear that neither joy nor peace would accompany RUV’s involvement in Eurovision,” it said.
A total of 37 countries competed in the 2025 Eurovision, won by Austrian operatic singer JJ, with Israel finishing as runner-up. Eurovision director Martin Green said approximately 35 nations are expected to participate in 2026.
