Decision of the Broadcasting Union
Members of the European Broadcasting Union adopted an amended regulation and did not hold a separate vote on Israel's participation in the 2026 contest. The majority backed provisions aimed at limiting government and third-party interference in the promotion of entries.
Broadcasters' refusal
In response to Israel's admission, a number of national broadcasters announced they would withdraw from next year's contest. These include companies from the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland. Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said that participation under the current circumstances conflicts with its public-service values. Broadcasters from Slovenia and Iceland are also expected to reconsider their decisions.
New rules and selections
The introduced changes aim to minimize disproportionate influence on voting results after allegations of improper support for certain participants in the previous contest. Separately, the names of nine finalists in the national selection for Eurovision 2026 were announced. Those performers from the longlist who did not make the final will take part in a ranked online vote via the Diia mobile app in January.
