Slovenia to Replace Eurovision Broadcast with Palestine-Themed Programming Amid Artist Boycott Calls Over Israel’s Participation

Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTVSLO has announced it will not participate in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, confirming its participation depends on the exclusion of Israel from the contest.

The decision was announced by Natalija Gorščak, president of the RTVSLO board, who stated that the broadcaster’s 2026 draft programming plan does not include Eurovision participation or broadcast. However, if Israel is excluded following a vote by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) General Assembly, RTVSLO will propose a change to its plan and take part in the festival.

If next week, on Thursday, when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) General Assembly is scheduled to vote on whether Israel will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest or not, it turns out that Israel will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, then we will propose to the council a change to the program-production plan and we will of course participate in this festival.

Natalija Gorščak, president of the RTVSLO board

The EBU General Assembly is scheduled to convene in Geneva on December 4 and 5, 2025, to discuss next year’s competition, implementation of new rules, and Israel’s participation. Slovenia’s decision follows previous threats to withdraw from the contest if Israel is included.

Slovenia’s explicit actions this week to boycott the 2026 Eurovision follows its previous threats to withdraw from the competition if Israel is included.

Algemeiner.com

Slovenia is not alone in its stance. Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have also announced withdrawals from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after the EBU decided to allow Israel to compete. The decision came after discussions in Switzerland regarding Israel’s participation amid calls for exclusion over the war in Gaza.

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced their withdrawals Thursday from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after organizers decided that Israel will be allowed to compete.

CNN

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to consist of two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, 2026, and a final on May 16, 2026, held at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. The event will be organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF).

An independent United Nations inquiry concluded in September 2025 that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and that the country’s top leaders have incited genocide. The Israeli government maintains it is conducting the war in self-defense and in accordance with international law, denying accusations of genocide.

The EBU decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation but stated that “targeted changes” should be introduced to improve neutrality. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “pleased” with the EBU’s decision, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was “ashamed” of the countries boycotting the contest.

The boycott reflects broader cultural and political tensions surrounding the contest, with calls from artists and groups across Europe urging a boycott over Israel’s participation. The developments highlight the increasing intersection of entertainment events with international political conflicts.