These are the countries that will participate in Eurovision 2026 and those that withdrew due to the presence of Israel

Eurovision 2026 takes place. After the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will confirm Israel’s participation in the festivalto the great dismay of some – who claim that their presence whitewashes the war in Gaza – and to the joy of others – who consider that it would go against the freedom and apolitical nature of the competition.

In an anonymous vote, the question of whether one was for or against the new rules was asked and she came out on top, indirectly confirming that Israel can continue to participate in the festival. Following this announcement, RTVE was quick to reveal that Spain withdrew from the competition, as did the public broadcasting networks. Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Other countries like Belgium, Poland and Armenia thought about it for a few days and ultimately all decided to continue participating in the competition, which was surprising in the case of Belgium, which had been actively boycotting Israel for two years by cutting off the broadcast during its representative’s performance. However, this period of internal debate made Iceland will join the other countries emerging from the competition.

In the meantime, the continued pressure on the countries which continue: Activists and unions have called for Belgium to withdraw; More than 25,000 signatures demanded the departure of Portugal, as well as workers of the public channel itself; eleven of the sixteen participants in the Portuguese pre-selection refused to represent the country in the event of victory; and Nemo, a Swiss artist who won in 2024, returned his trophy in protest.

Investigation

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Nevertheless, The deadline to confirm or not participation has already closedthey could therefore only leave after paying a fine. We can therefore say that the figures are now final: five regions have withdrawn; and 34 participants, including three returns, Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova.