Tensions are high nowadays concerning a number of countries when it comes down to their participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna (Austria). There are multiple countries that have spoken out against participating in the annual music contest when Israel is allowed to compete next year. One of these countries is the Netherlands.
The Dutch stance
On September 12th 2025 the Dutch public broadcaster, AVROTROS, took a stance when it comes down to the participation of the Netherlands in Eurovision 2026. They stated that if Israel is allowed to compete in the upcoming contest the Dutch will not be present in Vienna (Austria).
The Netherlands joins at least four other countries that took the same stance, which are: Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and Iceland.
In addition, AVROTROS stated on September 30th 2025, that if there is a cease-fire, or even when there are peace negotiations between Israel and Gaza, the Netherlands will not participate when Israel competes in Eurovision 2026.
AVROTROS stated the following about it:
“Our decision is a well-balanced and thought through one based on situations that happened this year, proven facts, and verified reports [by official institutions].
We do not take all the human suffering in the Gaza region lightly, just like the undermining of press freedom in the region, and the many victims among journalists.
Next to this, we also took the Israeli governmental interference in the last Eurovision Song Contest into consideration, which is against the non-political character of the contest.
When it comes down to other editions of the contest in the future, we will evaluate those possibilities when they occur.”
What is the EBU going to do?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the contest, responded with a voting moment that will be held among the 68 members of the EBU at the beginning of November 2025.The voting will be about whether Israel can compete in the upcoming contest in Vienna (Austria). If half of the members (34) vote in favour of Israel competing in Eurovision 2026, the country is allowed to participate.
Eurovision 2026
The 70th jubilee edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held on 12, 14, and 16 May 2026 in the Wiener Stadthalle venue in Vienna, Austria. At the beginning of October 2025, there are 24 countries that have officially stated that they will compete in the 2026 contest.