The financial outlook for the Eurovision Song Contest may be at risk after several countries announced they would withdraw from the 2026 edition in protest against Israel’s participation.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, faced immediate boycott declarations from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, all of which are threatening not to participate in 2026.
The planned boycotts have already cast a shadow over recent contests, partly due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. On Thursday, the EBU resisted calls to hold a vote on Israel’s participation and instead adopted new rules intended to discourage government interference in the competition.
The withdrawals—particularly those of Spain and the Netherlands, which are among the contest’s largest financial contributors and have large viewing audiences—could deal a serious blow to the budget.
According to Eurovision’s website, the contest is partly financed by contributions from participating broadcasters, with payments distributed on the principle that the strongest bear the greatest burden. Losing Spain and the Netherlands would therefore result in a significant drop in revenue and potentially lower audience interest.
Contest director Martin Green says Eurovision remains financially secure and any audience losses could be offset by Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova returning next year. Still, the four protesting countries have a population more than 2.5 times larger—and far greater economic weight—than the three returners.
Despite the financial concerns, the Austrian host broadcaster ORF has assured viewers that the 2026 show will go ahead as planned and remain both successful and spectacular.
