Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Today's Edition

EveryNews

Stories that matter, signal over noise
Politics

The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland boycott Eurovision 2026

The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland have declined to participate in Eurovision 2026 after members of the European Broadcasting Union voted to allow Israel to take part and approved new rules to safeguard the contest’s integrity.

Oleg Bazylewicz

By Oleg Bazylewicz

December 4, 2025 · 1 min read

The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland boycott Eurovision 2026

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.

Related

Latest

Business

EU Against Google: Why the Latest Fine Could Change More Than Previous Ones

# European Regulators Target Google Again — This Time Over Digital Markets Act Violations. What's Behind the Accusations and Why It Matters Beyond the Corporation European regulators have renewed their scrutiny of Google, this time focusing on alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The charges underscore Brussels' increasingly aggressive stance on big tech monopolies and what officials say are anticompetitive practices. The accusations center on how Google leverages its dominance across multiple digital services — from search to advertising to mobile platforms — to disadvantage competitors. Regulators claim the company is using its market power in ways that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. The case carries significance far beyond Google itself. It signals how the EU is attempting to enforce its landmark Digital Markets Act, legislation designed to curb the gatekeeping power of tech giants. A potential penalty could set precedent for how other large technology companies face similar scrutiny. For consumers and smaller tech firms, the outcome could reshape the digital landscape by creating more room for competition. For Google, fines and operational restrictions could fundamentally alter its business model in Europe, the world's most stringent regulatory market. The case also reflects a broader geopolitical divide, with the EU pursuing a regulatory approach that contrasts sharply with the lighter-touch oversight favored in the United States.

May 26, 2026