Polish lawmakers call for Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation

BRUSSELS

Polish lawmakers called on Friday for a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel to participate.

Lawmaker Robert Biedron said that Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland have already announced their withdrawal from the contest, and called on other countries to follow suit.

"If we do not want to have blood on our hands, we should also withdraw from this charade," he said through US social media company X.

Similarly, fellow Polish lawmaker Marcelina Zawisza praised the countries that have pulled out, saying: "They do not want to pretend that the genocide in Gaza did not happen and is not happening. This is a righteous stance."

She added that Israel should be boycotted in the same manner as Russia, referencing past cultural sanctions imposed over conflicts.

The EBU confirmed on Thursday that Israel will be able to participate in next year's contest, as members decided not to hold a vote specifically on Israel’s participation despite requests from several broadcasters.

Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have so far decided not to participate, citing Israel's involvement and the ongoing situation in Gaza, while Belgium and Iceland will hold further discussions.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others. Several experts, including those appointed by a UN body, have stated that Israel's attacks in Gaza constitute genocide.