Eurovision has revealed the final list of countries that will participate in the 2026 edition. Romania and two other countries are returning to the musical contest, after a break marked by financial difficulties.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the body that organizes the Eurovision contest, has presented the list of countries that will participate in the 2026 edition, which will take place in May in Vienna.
In 2026, 35 countries will participate in Eurovision, the lowest number since 2004. Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova return to the contest, absent for three, two and one year, respectively, mainly for financial reasons, according to Mediafax.
Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have announced that they will not participate, in protest at Israel’s green light to compete in next year’s edition. Under these conditions, there will be two less countries in the competition than the number in the 2025 edition.
The absence of some of the most loyal and well-known participants in the competition, including Ireland, who hold the record for most victories alongside Sweden, has brought political discord to the fore.
Tensions rose further when Nemo, who won the 2024 contest with the song “The Code”, announced last week that he planned to return the trophy in protest at Israel’s participation.
This month, the EBU decided to allow Israel to participate in the contest, despite widespread protests over its handling of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and allegations of vote rigging. On the other hand, Israeli officials welcomed the EBU’s decision, emphasizing Israel’s right to participate and warning of the threat to freedom of expression by involving musicians in political disputes.
Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria on 12 and 14 May (semi-finals) and 16 May 2026 (final).
