Iceland has decided not to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, as confirmed by the country’s public broadcaster, RUV, on Wednesday. This comes after the European Broadcasting Union approved Israel’s participation, leading to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia withdrawing in protest, citing Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. However, Germany and Austria, the host nation, have expressed support for Israel’s involvement.
Stefan Eiriksson, the director general of RUV, stated that the decision not to participate was influenced by the public discourse and reaction following the EBU’s recent ruling. Iceland, which had called for a vote on Israel’s participation, did not receive the opportunity as the EBU implemented new regulations to prevent external influences on the competition.
Despite never winning the Eurovision Song Contest, Iceland achieved second place in 1999 and 2009. The competition, established in 1956, attracts approximately 160 million viewers worldwide, according to the EBU.