While the crisis continues over the Eurovision song contest to be held in 2026, a statement in support of Israel has come from Austria, which is preparing to host the contest. Austria announced it would not host the tournament if Israel was eliminated.
The Israeli crisis continues during the Eurovision song contest. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Belgium; They demanded that Israel be excluded from the competition to be held next year due to attacks in Gaza, and announced that they would boycott the competition if they participated. However, statements were made one after another from countries that continuously supported Israel. Austria, which is preparing to host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, has announced that it will not host if Israel is eliminated from the contest. This statement was made by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. A similar move came from Germany. Prime Minister Friedrich Merz said that if Israel is expelled, his country should not participate in the competition.
VOTING DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED The European Broadcasting Union, the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, will convene its general assembly in November. According to the BBC, the statement was issued by the EBU after the ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel took effect. “In light of recent developments in the Middle East, the EBU Executive Board has decided that a face-to-face meeting between members should be held regarding participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest,” the statement said. Expression was used. It should be noted that the EBU Board of Directors has decided to put this issue on the agenda of the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in December, instead of holding an extraordinary meeting. The financial backers of the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest, include the so-called “big five”: Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Italy.