ESC 2026 in Vienna with Israel? Details on the Voting

In the vote on whether Israel should participate in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Vienna or not, an absolute majority of the validly cast votes is decisive. This was announced by an ESC spokesperson on Friday in response to an APA inquiry. All members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are entitled to vote - regardless of whether they register for the ESC 2026 or not. Abstention is also possible.

Date for vote unclear

It is not yet clear when exactly the vote will take place at the beginning of November, but it should be communicated to the EBU members soon. There has been intense debate for weeks about whether Israel should participate in the 70th edition of the music competition despite the Gaza war. Countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands announced that they would not send anyone to Austria if Israel participates. Israel itself, through Golan Jochpaz, director of the responsible broadcaster Kan, stated that there is no reason why they should not be part of the competition.

The EBU then explored how its members feel about the issue and found an "unprecedented diversity of opinion," as stated in a letter to the members. The EBU board realized that a unanimous position could not be reached here. Therefore, they are now relying on a broader, democratic decision-making basis in a vote.

Weißmann for ESC with Israel

ORF Director General Roland Weißmann has spoken in favor of Israel's participation in the ESC, which the ORF Foundation Council welcomes. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) also considers an exclusion of Israel as not expedient. This step would "make it impossible to have an important dialogue between artists and the population - without improving the situation on the ground in Israel and Gaza," as stated in a letter she sent to colleagues in other countries.

Meanwhile, the recently founded initiative "Solidarity Israel" appealed in letters to the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig (SPÖ), as well as to potential sponsors of the ESC, to ensure the "unrestricted participation of Israel." "A cultural boycott of Israel would not only be a breach of the fundamental principles of Eurovision but far more a disgrace for Vienna and Austria," the proponents - including former IKG President Ariel Muzicant, former National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka, and ÖVP-affiliated PR consultant Daniel Kapp - stated in a release.

(APA/Red)

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