Story perspectives

Spain, Ireland, Others Launch 70-Year Eurovision Boycott

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia withdrew from Eurovision, creating biggest boycott in 70 years.
2,100 artists signed a letter condemning Israel’s participation as art-washing the Gaza genocide.
Police prepared for blockades after a “No Stage For Genocide” protest, with shouting “Stop the genocide” during Israel’s semi-final.
Broadcasters, Spain’s RTVE, aired a message demanding peace for Palestine and showed documentaries or programs such as Father Ted and Voices of Palestine.

History

Historical Context

The U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, triggered by President Jimmy Carter’s Jan 20 1980 ultimatum over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, saw 66 nations withdraw and the athlete count fall to 5,179, far below 1976. That precedent of using sport for protest echoes today’s Eurovision refusals by Spain and others, backed by a 2,100-artist letter condemning Israel’s participation.

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Story summary

Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia withdrew from Eurovision, creating biggest boycott in 70 years.
2,100 artists signed a letter condemning Israel’s participation as art-washing the Gaza genocide.
Police prepared for blockades after a “No Stage For Genocide” protest, with shouting “Stop the genocide” during Israel’s semi-final.
Broadcasters, Spain’s RTVE, aired a message demanding peace for Palestine and showed documentaries or programs such as Father Ted and Voices of Palestine.

1 / 2