Lead

The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Vienna on Sunday, with thousands of fans flocking to the Austrian capital for events and music ahead of the grand final next weekend. The opening came amid renewed calls for a boycott over Israel's participation, with several countries and more than a thousand artists refusing to take part or backing the protest.

Coverage comparison

Reports from multiple outlets describe a festival atmosphere in Vienna, with the city hosting a parade of the 35 delegations from participating countries and a series of side events scheduled in the run-up to the final on May 16. The contest, which reaches more than 170 million people on television and online, is being held under heavy security, with several hundred police deployed.

However, the festive mood is shadowed by what the BBC describes as the biggest boycott in the contest's 70-year history. Five broadcasters have withdrawn from the event, and Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have decided to snub this year's edition in protest at Israel's participation. These countries have criticised Israel over its bombardment of Gaza, which came in retaliation for the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, according to RFI.

More than 1,000 artists or groups have also called for a boycott, including Peter Gabriel and Massive Attack, as reported by France 24 and RFI. A pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in central Vienna on Saturday, watched over by police.

Meanwhile, Russian presidential envoy for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, speaking to TASS, offered a different perspective, arguing that international cultural venues are "largely politicized" and that Russia feels this more than any other country. He said the current contest "isn't what it was back when it was created," and welcomed Russia's non-participation as a political act that led to the creation of the Intervision competition.

Key claims

  • Eurovision 2026 is being held in Vienna, with thousands of fans attending events ahead of the final.
  • Five broadcasters have withdrawn from the event, and Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have refused to broadcast or participate.
  • The boycott is in response to Israel's participation, according to multiple reports.
  • Over 1,000 artists or groups have called for a boycott.
  • Finland is the heavy favourite to win, with an entry featuring singer Pete Parkkonen and violinist Linda Lampenius, who has been granted an exception to play live.
  • The European Broadcasting Union has updated its rules to prevent artificially high public votes, following queries from broadcasters about Israel's high public vote in last year's contest.

Perspectives

Boycott proponents

Countries including Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, along with over 1,000 artists, object to Israel's participation due to its military actions in Gaza, which they describe as a "devastating bombardment."

Russian official

Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russian presidential envoy for international cultural cooperation, argues that international cultural venues are politicized and that the boycott reflects a broader trend. He views Russia's non-participation as a political act and supports the creation of the Intervision competition as an alternative.