35 countries confirmed to take part in 2026 Eurovision despite boycotts |
The European Broadcasting Union confirmed on Monday that 35 countries will take part in the Eurovision next year, the 70th anniversary of the song contest, after five nations backed out in protest of Israel’s inclusion.
Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iceland and Ireland quit the competition after members of the EBU decided against kicking Israel out of the contest. Meanwhile Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova are returning to the competition following brief absences that were due to financial reasons.
“As we prepare to celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, it remains a place where voices, cultures, languages and music are woven together,” said Martin Green, the Eurovision director, in a statement from EBU.
The competition, he said, is one “where people from many backgrounds can show that in a difficult world, a better one is possible.” The return of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova “is a vivid reminder of the enduring power of the Eurovision Song Contest, and of what it truly means to be United by Music.”
In alphabetical order, the 35 countries taking part in the competition in Vienna next year are Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The turnout will only be a slight drop from this year’s competition........