The organizers of Eurovision 2026 stated they are "ready" for potential new disruptions amid protests during the contest final in Vienna, following controversies over Israel's participation. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
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Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), stated that the contest is "apolitical," but acknowledged that it is "such a large event that it has a political impact."
"The EBU is not the European Union or the European Commission. We are not the UN, so we do not need to make political decisions," he said.
This year, five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—are boycotting the contest due to Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza.
The organizers stated they are trying to bring these countries back to the contest next year, but the final decision remains with the national broadcasters.
Controversies surrounding Israel could change Eurovision forever – BBC11.05.26, 06:45
Politico notes that critics of Israel's participation point to "double standards," given that Russia was suspended from Eurovision in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Commenting on this, De Tender stated that the situations with Russia and Israel are "completely different," as the Russian broadcaster, in the EBU's view, was not independent of the government.
"The war made it obvious that there was no independent news coverage in Russia," he stated.
At the same time, the Israeli broadcaster KAN, according to the organizers, remains independent and has the right to participate in the contest.
As protesters are expected to gather on the streets of Vienna on Saturday to demonstrate against Israel's participation in the contest, security will be on high alert inside the venue, the publication writes. Earlier, during the semi-final, several spectators were removed from the hall due to "disturbances" during the Israeli contestant's performance.
The organizers also confirmed that they will not hide booing or other audience reactions during performances.
"We will not hide any booing. The sound level for all artists will remain the same," De Tender stated.
He added that managers are "ready" if something similar happens during Saturday's broadcast.
Eurovision 2026 Final: Participants and Main Favorites of the Contest15.05.26, 15:50