EBU: No ESC Emergency Meeting on Israel's Participation - EBU Delays Vote on Israel's Eurovision Participation Amid Middle East Tensions
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has delayed a crucial vote on Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna. Originally planned for November, the vote has been moved to the EBU's December General Assembly. This shift comes amidst recent developments in the Middle East and ongoing debates about Israel's involvement in the global music event.
The ESC, the world's largest music competition, is organised by the EBU and hosted by the broadcaster of the previous year's winning country. This time, it's the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), following Austria's victory in the last contest. The EBU cited the need for an open, in-person debate among its members as the reason for the postponement, with the host broadcaster ORF continuing to support Israel's participation.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened a boycott by Germany if Israel were excluded. Meanwhile, several European countries have expressed their intention to boycott the event if Israel participates, citing concerns over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The EBU hopes that the December meeting will provide a more comprehensive platform for all members to voice their opinions and reach a consensus.
The ESC's future in Vienna now hangs in the balance, with the EBU's General Assembly set to discuss and potentially decide on Israel's participation in December. The ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following their agreement to implement the first phase of the US peace plan, has added complexity to the situation. The EBU aims to navigate these delicate political and humanitarian issues while ensuring the ESC remains a unifying, global event.
