Eurovision vote on Israel’s participation delayed

The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest will not hold an online meeting in November to vote on Israel’s participation, following “developments” in the Middle East, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced, in a clear reference to the ceasefire in Gaza.

Austria had requested that countries not boycott next year’s contest, which is expected to take place in Vienna, due to Israel’s participation and concerns over the two-year conflict in Gaza, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

Eurovision, which emphasizes its political neutrality, became a point of contention this year regarding the war, with several countries pledging to withdraw from the event if Israel participated.

Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, which will host the 2026 contest, told Reuters that it welcomes the EBU’s decision.

ΦΩΤΟ: Αρχείο ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ