Broadcasters react to ESC voting shake-up as pressure mounts on EBU ahead of 2026

The Eurovision Song Contest may sell itself as a neutral celebration of music, but behind the sequins the phones are ringing non-stop. And this time, it’s not fans voting 20 times in a row — it’s broadcasters trying to figure out whether the European Broadcasting Union’s new voting rules are enough to save face, restore trust and stop the contest from turning into a geopolitical soap opera.

From Belgium to Norway, from Ireland to Iceland, reactions to the EBU’s reform package have been cautious, measured and, in some cases, quietly furious.

The headline change has reopened an old debate: professional juries are returning to the Semi-Finals, reinstating a 50/50 split between jury and televote alongside a cut in max votes per person from 20 to 10. Not revolutionary, but after two years of controversy, it feels like a peace offering wrapped in a glittery flag.

Belgium: “Finally, the EBU is listening”

Both Belgian broadcasters, VRT and RTBF, have welcomed the reform package as a long-overdue course correction.

VRT described the changes as a “necessary step toward a more transparent and balanced contest”, insisting that a fair voting system is essential to maintain public trust. RTBF, which will handle Belgium’s participation in 2026, has confirmed that it will make its final decision after the December EBU General Assembly, once the list of participating nations is clarified.

Behind closed doors, the message is clear: fix the rules or risk losing countries.

Norway: “This is what we’ve been asking for”

NRK has been one of the most vocal critics of the current voting model, especially after evidence of coordinated voting patterns and system abuse during the last final.

NRK’s content editor Charlo Halvorsen admitted the announcement looks like a direct response to the concerns raised by several members. According to him, the changes “point in the right direction”, especially the strengthened technical safeguards against manipulated mass voting.

Translation: they’re not throwing confetti yet, but they haven’t walked out either.

Iceland: Supportive, but still undecided

RÚV’s director general Stefán Eiríksson called the new rules “a positive development” but made it clear Iceland has not committed to competing in 2026.

This hesitation isn’t minor. According to recent opinion polls, a majority of Icelanders support withdrawing from Eurovision if Israel is allowed to participate. RÚV has confirmed that talks with other Nordic broadcasters will take place before any final decision is announced.

Diplomacy, but with frostbite.

Ireland: Still drawing a line in the sand

RTÉ has not softened its stance. The Irish broadcaster reiterated that its participation in Eurovision 2026 depends entirely on the EBU’s position regarding Israel.

Following the announcement of the new rules, RTÉ simply stated that the issue of participation is “on the agenda” for December’s General Assembly. No applause. No celebration. No selfies with the new voting rules.

Just a reminder that technically fixing the vote doesn’t fix the politics.

The Netherlands: Silence, for now

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has opted for strategic silence, confirming that no response will be given until after the EBU Assembly. No praise, no criticism. Just that very Dutch talent for pausing while the rest of Europe debates in uppercase.

And the critics? Not amused

Not everyone is buying the EBU’s narrative of “unity through reform”. In Norway, the Palestine Committee openly condemned the changes, arguing that the EBU is effectively admitting external influence exists while refusing to address its most controversial source.

Their position is blunt: if Israel is allowed to take part, they expect Norway to withdraw.

The glitter doesn’t hide the fracture.

The EBU is hoping that new rules = less boycotts, but broadcasters are basically saying: Nice try, now prove it works.

Until the December General Assembly confirms who’s in and who’s out, Eurovision 2026 in Vienna remains a very expensive question mark with pyrotechnics.

Music might be “united”, but the broadcasters? Still doing harmony practice.

Sources: VRT / Yle / RTÉ / NRK / RÚV