Austria's Chancellor Stocker: Excluding Israel from the ESC would be fatal!

Austria's Chancellor Stocker: Excluding Israel from the ESC would be fatal!

The debate about Israel's participation in the comingEurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Vienna in 2026, is gaining momentum. Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker has spoken out clearly against excluding Israel and described this as a “fatal mistake”. In a recent interview, he emphasized Austria's historical responsibility, especially with regard to the Holocaust. “Excluding Israel would not only be inappropriate, but would only exacerbate the already tense situation,” said Stocker.

The current situation in the Gaza Strip in particular has fueled the discussion. With the recent ceasefire there is hope that tempers will calm down, but some countries, including Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland, are threatening a boycott if Israel takes part in the competition. These countries hold Israel responsible for the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population and feel compelled to take a stand.

Austria and the European Broadcasting Union

The final decision on Israel's participation will be made, according to the European Broadcasting Union, taken in December 2025. “I hope that by then the debate will have subsided to such an extent that it will no longer burden us in May 2026,” said Stocker. Austria has the honor of hosting the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, following Austrian countertenor JJ's victory in Basel last year.

Traditionally, Israel regularly takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest, even though it is not geographically located in Europe. This is possible because Israel Broadcasting is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is. The organizers now face the challenge of creating an unforgettable event in an environment characterized by political tensions.

Reactions in Germany

There is also resistance to a possible exclusion at the political level in Germany. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken out firmly against a boycott and criticized the discussion as a “scandal”. A recent survey by the polling institute Infratest dimap shows that 65 percent of Germans are against excluding Israel, while only 24 percent are in favor. The voice of the population could influence the decision in December.

Fans are looking forward to the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026, but current political developments are casting a shadow over the upcoming music festival. The EBU has announced that they will review the conditions of participation and the situation surrounding participation, but the safety of the artists and the political situation are the top priority. Whether there will ultimately be a boycott or not remains to be seen - but one thing is certain: the ESC in Vienna will captivate everyone.