German Chancellor Considers Eurovision Boycott Over Israel’s Potential Exclusion
European Tensions Rise as Germany Weighs Eurovision Withdrawal Over Israel Debate
German Chancellor Considers Boycott Amid Controversy
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has raised the possibility of Germany boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is excluded from the event. In a recent interview with the public broadcaster ARD, Merz expressed his support for Germany’s potential withdrawal, labeling the discussion around Israel’s involvement as “a scandal.” He asserted that Israel rightfully belongs at the contest.
Eurovision’s “Big Five” and Their Stance
As one of Eurovision’s “Big Five,” Germany holds significant influence alongside France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, given their financial contributions to the contest. France has already confirmed its participation in next year’s event, while Spain became the first of the Big Five to announce it would withdraw should Israel be banned from competing.
- France: Confirmed participation
- Spain: Announced withdrawal if Israel is banned
- Other countries: The Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia have also threatened to withdraw unless Israel is excluded.
Danish broadcaster DR has adopted a more conditional stance, indicating it will continue to participate provided certain criteria are met, even if Israel competes.
EBU’s Upcoming Vote on Israel’s Participation
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is set to conduct an online vote in November to determine if Israeli broadcaster KAN will be expelled from Eurovision 2026. This vote, unprecedented in its scope, will invite all member broadcasters to engage in an extraordinary online General Assembly. Delphine Ernotte Cunci, EBU president, acknowledged the “unprecedented diversity of views” regarding Israel’s involvement, emphasizing the need for a “broader democratic basis” for decision-making.
Political Tensions and Past Precedents
Despite Eurovision’s apolitical claim, the EBU previously excluded Russia from the competition following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Conversely, Israel has continued to compete despite growing international concerns over its actions in Gaza. Recent competitions in Sweden and Switzerland encountered pro-Palestine protests, amplifying the political undertones.
Adding to the pressure, more than 70 former Eurovision contestants have signed a letter demanding Israel’s ban, with last year’s winner, Austrian singer JJ, voicing support for their exclusion from Eurovision 2026.
Israel’s Response and Broader Implications
In light of the upcoming vote, Israeli broadcaster KAN has emphasized the importance of maintaining Eurovision’s cultural and apolitical nature. Exclusion, KAN warns, may have far-reaching consequences, although specific details were not disclosed.
These developments follow recent global scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which several UN human rights experts and the International Court of Justice have flagged as potentially genocidal. The situation has exacerbated humanitarian crises, with the Gaza Strip facing a “man-made” famine, as per the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
The 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest is set for Vienna, Austria, with the finals scheduled for May 16, 2026, following semi-finals on May 12 and 14.
