After the 2026 edition in Vienna, marked by boycotts and protests, no one knows for sure if all the invitees will be present at the next contest, which will take place in Bulgaria.
Ireland was the first country to make a clear statement on this issue. Asked the day after the final about the possibility of a return in 2027, Radio Television Ireland (RTÉ) director general Kevin Bakhurst said: “As a public service broadcaster that believes in the importance of protecting journalists and human rights, there is no reason at this time to change our decision,” writes News.
“Our reasoning remains: civilians continue to die in significant numbers in Gaza and Lebanon. Journalists continue to be targeted”he told RTÉ Radio 1’s ‘Morning Ireland’.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has suspended any decision regarding the 2027 edition. Through press releases, Dutch television stations NPO and AVROTROS said they are awaiting a decision from the European Broadcasting Union. The latter would carry out an official evaluation next month.
Iceland, Spain and Slovenia have not yet decided on the next edition. Television stations in these three countries strongly opposed Israel’s participation in Eurovision – they did not even broadcast the show this year. It seems unlikely that they will change their position.
A day before Eurovision, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez – one of the most virulent critics of Israel within the European Union – declared that he was placing his country “on the good side of history” by refusing to participate in Eurovision. RTVE thus broadcast the message at the very moment when the grand final in Vienna was starting: “Eurovision is a competition, not human rights. There is no room for indifference. Peace and justice for Palestine”.
As far as the countries participating in the last edition are concerned, only Belgium made an official statement on this issue. After a period of hesitation, Walloon broadcaster RTBF finally decided to participate in the competition in Vienna. Next year, it will be the turn of the Flemish station VRT to nominate a candidate for Eurovision, if it still decides to participate.
