Slovenia Puts Eurovision 2026 Participation on Hold as RTVSLO Awaits EBU’s Decision on Israel

With less than nine months until Eurovision 2026 kicks off in Vienna, Slovenia’s participation is hanging by a thread. In a statement , RTVSLO, Slovenia’s national broadcaster, confirmed that no decision has yet been made — and everything now depends on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its stance on Israel’s participation.

“No Decision Before the Annual Plan”

According to RTVSLO’s Communications Department, the broadcaster will decide no later than the adoption of its 2026 annual plan (PPN).

“By that time, it should be clear whether the EBU will reach a decision regarding Israel’s participation and whether it will consider the comments of several EBU members concerning the transparency of voting,” the statement reads.

Put simply: Slovenia wants clarity on two points — Israel’s status and voting transparency — before committing to Vienna 2026.

“If Israel Competes, We Won’t Be There”

The broadcaster took a firm stance during the EBU General Assembly held earlier in July in London, warning that it would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“RTVSLO believes that it is not only public broadcasters that participate in Eurovision, but entire countries,” the statement adds. “Therefore, political decisions cannot be completely separated from the competition.”

RTVSLO also underlined that broadcasters such as Belgium’s RTBF and VRT or Germany’s ARD and ZDF jointly represent their countries — meaning that, from Slovenia’s perspective, Eurovision participation symbolises national endorsement.

EBU Faces Growing Pressure

The EBU is now navigating increasingly complex political terrain. Slovenia isn’t the only broadcaster reassessing its involvement: the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has also raised concerns over “geopolitical influences on the contest” and is still in talks with the EBU about the Netherlands’ participation in Vienna.

While the EBU has promised a “wider discussion” on Israel’s participation and voting transparency, concrete decisions aren’t expected until December, when members are set to meet again.

A Tense Countdown to Vienna

With the 70th Eurovision Song Contest already promising heightened media attention, Slovenia’s uncertainty adds another layer of drama to a contest increasingly caught between music, politics, and public perception.

For now, RTVSLO’s message is clear: unless the EBU addresses concerns around Israel and transparency, Slovenia might not join the party in Vienna.

Source: RTVSLO/Eurovoix