Why did Spain and Ireland boycott Eurovision?

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Spain and Ireland Boycotted Eurovision Due to Israel's Participation Amidst the Gaza Conflict

Spain and Ireland, along with the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland, boycotted the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. This collective withdrawal was a direct protest against the participation of Israel, citing the ongoing war in Gaza. The boycotting nations stated their inability to compete alongside Israel given the conflict, which originated from Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
New Hosting Criteria Introduced

Following Israel's consecutive second-place finishes in 2025 and 2026, Eurovision organisers implemented new rules. Under these revised regulations, any country engaged in an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any circumstance that materially affects the security or stability of their state or region is ineligible to host the competition. This change was reportedly guided by feedback from member countries, aiming to provide greater clarity and ensure a safe environment for all participants.
Age Requirement for Competitors Raised

In addition to the hosting rule changes, the minimum age for Eurovision competitors was increased from 16 to 18 years old, effective from the day of their first rehearsal. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort by the contest to enhance safeguarding measures and shield younger artists from the pressures associated with competing. Historically, the youngest winner was Sandra Kim from Belgium, who was 13 when she won in 1986.
Host Nation Selection Process Clarified

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which co-produces the Eurovision Song Contest, can now commission an independent security assessment to determine a winning country's capability to host safely. If a nation is deemed unable to host, the EBU will select an alternative host nation. This process ensures that the contest can proceed even when geopolitical or security concerns arise, as seen when Ukraine, despite winning in 2022, was unable to host the 2023 event due to Russia's invasion, with the United Kingdom hosting on their behalf.

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Why did Spain and Ireland boycott Eurovision?

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