THE Eurovision Song Contest will feature just 35 nations next year, amid a boycott by some over Israel’s inclusion.
It will be the lowest number since 2003 — the year before semi-finals were introduced and the number of entrants expanded.
The European Broadcasting Union yesterday confirmed the list of public service broadcasters which will compete.
Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have all pulled out, with 2023 Israeli act Noa Kirel, 24, branding the boycotts antisemitic.
But Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova are returning after breaks.
Next year’s semi-finals in Vienna will take place on May 12 and 14, with the final broadcast on the BBC on May 16.
Juries will return to vote in the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.
There will be a more diverse jury and better fraudulent voting checks.
The EBU said it hoped the changes ensure the contest “remains a neutral space to showcase music, talent and unity — free from undue influence.”
Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, 25, came second this year after winning the public televote.
Ireland has also promised to boycott Eurovision.
A spokesperson for Irish broadcaster RTE said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.
“RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.”
Spain’s RTVE secretary general Alfonso Morales said suggested measures were “insufficient,” adding: “We would like to express our serious doubts about the participation of Israeli broadcaster KAN in Eurovision 2026.
“The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and the approval of the peace process, and Israel’s use of the contest for political purposes, make it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event.”
