Eurovision artists in Austria avoid questions about Dutch boycott

Most artists competing in this week's Eurovision Song Contest in this Austrian capital are avoiding questions about the boycott by the Netherlands and four other countries, which withdrew after the European Broadcasting Union voted to let Israel compete in 2026.

The Netherlands is not taking part for the first time in 24 years. Broadcaster AvroTros decided to boycott after the European Broadcasting Union voted to allow Israel to compete in 2026.

The broadcaster cited Israel’s role in “the severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza, the suppression of press freedom, and the political interference during the last Eurovision Song Contest” as reasons those issues are “incompatible” with its fundamental values of reliability, independence, and humanity.

Along with the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are boycotting. Iceland is also absent. It is the first political withdrawal for the Netherlands in the contest’s 70-year history.

Belgian entrant ESSYLA said: “We miss them all,” while respecting the countries’ choice. Azerbaijani singer JIVA added, "It is a pity. But hopefully something changes in the future.”

Armenian entrant SÍMON refused to answer questions about the absences: “That question I will not answer. It must be about music. Everyone is here to show something and to share his or her love with the people.”

Italian singer Sal Da Vinci called the five countries’ decision to stay away “a very respectable choice.” He noted, however, that the song festival “is not an event of the United Nations but a TV show.”

The official opening ceremony on Sunday went without problems. Participants walked one by one across a turquoise carpet on Rathausplatz to present themselves to the public. ANP noted that Israeli singer Noam Bettan received a mostly warm welcome from the crowd, despite some booing. No Palestinian flags were visible. Last year in Basel, the Swiss audience heavily booed Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, creating a stark contrast to the current reception.

The area around city hall was sealed off with roadblocks and police checkpoints. Fans could get close only after a security check. Austrian police are preparing for possible disturbances all week and have banned drone flights in several places in Vienna.