Estonian Public Broadcasting plans to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, and while European Broadcasting Union members remain divided over Israel’s participation, the contest will go ahead as planned, said ERR board chair Erik Roose.
Last Thursday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) held its general assembly in Geneva, where Eurovision, potential changes to the contest, and participation conditions – including Israel’s participation next year — were key topics of discussion.
Roose, who attended the meeting as ERR’s board chair, told Monday’s “Ringvaade” that the discussion about Eurovision lasted more than two hours. “Everyone had a chance to express their views,” he said.
Even before the meeting, several EBU members had threatened to boycott Eurovision due to Israel’s participation. Roose said there have been serious and tense debates among EBU members over the past six months: “These concerns have been sincere.”
While there had been plans at one point to vote on Israel’s participation, the December 4 meeting instead focused on new Eurovision rules.
Read more: ERR.EE
