The Latest Breaking News from the European Broadcasting Union

Spain to quit Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates

‘Big Five’ country follows in the footsteps of the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland

The Independent UK · Sep 16, 2025

Spain is the latest country to threaten with Eurovision boycott if Israel participates

Spain has joined the group of countries threatening not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from the competition over the war in the Gaza Strip

The Independent UK · Sep 16, 2025

BBC boss Tim Davie says Eurovision Song Contest has ‘never been about politics’

It comes as a string of broadcasters, including the Dutch Avrotros and Irish channel RTE, have called for a boycott over Israel’s participation.

Evening Standard · Sep 15, 2025

Martin Osterdahl steps down as executive supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest

He said it had been the ‘honour of my professional life’ to steer the competition for five years.

Evening Standard · Jun 27, 2025

Fact check: Did NATO create the Eurovision Song Contest?

Social media users and alternative news outlets claim that decades-old NATO documents reveal that the military alliance was the mastermind behind Eurovision.

Euronews · May 22, 2025

Eurovision accused of ‘encouraging manipulation’ after Israel’s near-win

Public broadcasters for Spain and Belgium have complained to the contest’s organisers, the European Broadcasting Union

The Independent UK · May 20, 2025

Why is Israel still in Eurovision? The answer is more complex than you might think

The war in Gaza means the European Broadcasting Union is risking its liberal reputation, but to ban Israel would be to undermine the organisation’s fundamental purpose, says author Chris West

The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2025

Eurovision 2025 final: The 26 countries competing tonight

Ireland was left broken-hearted after failing to qualify from the second semi-final, while delegates for Israel, Greece and Austria were voted through

The Independent UK · May 13, 2025

Eurovision returns amid protests over Palestine, Pride flags and parody lyrics

With songs about everything from the joy of raving to the morning after the night before, from death and domestic violence to metaphorical milkshakes and poisoned cakes served in revenge, Eurovision is back for its 69th edition – hosted by Switzerland after singer Nemo's victory last year.

Radio France Internationale · May 13, 2025

Ireland asks Eurovision host EBU for discussion over Israel’s involvement

Irish national broadcaster RTÉ director general said he was "appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of Israeli hostages."

Euronews · May 8, 2025