Standfirst: Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ has warned it will withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna if Israel is allowed to participate. A final Irish decision will follow the EBU’s ruling later this year. As reported by he WP Times, citing RTÉ.

Key points

  • RTÉ’s stance: Participation would be “unconscionable” given the death toll in Gaza, the targeting of journalists and restricted media access.
  • Decision path: Ireland will confirm its position after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) sets out participation rules; broadcasters have until mid-December to enter or withdraw.
  • Political & union reaction: Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers “respects” the move; the National Union of Journalists (Dublin Broadcasting Branch) welcomes it and urges other broadcasters to follow suit.
  • Timeline for 2026: Vienna hosts the 70th contest at the Wiener Stadthalle — semi-finals on 12 & 14 May, grand final on 16 May 2026.
  • Recent context: Protests over Israel’s participation flared in Malmö (2024) and during the Basel 2025 contest week.

What RTÉ said — and why it matters

RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst linked the position to the “ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza”, the targeted killing of journalists, the denial of access for international media, and the plight of remaining hostages. Framed as a values-based decision rather than a tactical one, the stance puts pressure on the EBU’s ongoing consultations and invites other broadcasters to make their positions clear well before December.

Political and union reactions

Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, publicly supported RTÉ’s right to take this line, noting wider concern over journalist safety. The NUJ Dublin Broadcasting Branch — which had already written to RTÉ in May — said the move reflects the views of staff and much of the Irish public, and called on the EBU to suspend Israel from the 2026 contest.

The EBU’s process and the road to December

The EBU has been canvassing members on how to handle participation amid geopolitical tensions. While Eurovision rules emphasise the event’s non-political character, the 2024–2025 cycle showed how on-the-ground conflicts can spill into the contest. A no-penalty withdrawal window until mid-December gives broadcasters time to assess the EBU’s final guidance before locking in entries.

Eurovision 2026 at a glance

  • Host country/city: Austria — Vienna
  • Venue: Wiener Stadthalle (Austria’s largest indoor arena)
  • Show week: 12 May (SF1), 14 May (SF2), 16 May 2026 (Grand Final)
  • Why Vienna: Austria secured hosting after JJ won Eurovision 2025 in Basel with “Wasted Love.”
  • Economic/cultural impact: A May finals week in Vienna typically drives a surge in hotel occupancy, hospitality revenue and global media exposure, alongside city-branding opportunities tied to the contest’s 70th anniversary.

2025 competitive context

Ireland competed in Basel 2025 with Emmy — “Laika Party.” Israel’s act was Yuval Raphael — “New Day Will Rise.” The contest week was marked by sizeable demonstrations, echoing protests seen in Malmö 2024.

What happens next

  • Autumn consultations: The EBU gathers final member input.
  • Policy clarity: Guidance on participation is issued.
  • Mid-December deadline: Broadcasters confirm entries or withdraw without penalty.
  • Irish call: RTÉ communicates Ireland’s final position once the EBU decision is known.

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